BBA Certification Sets the Standard and supports SOPREMA’s commitment to quality in the construction supply chain 

SOPREMA Group, a world leader in the development and manufacture of waterproofing membranes, is recognised for its high-quality products and dedication to excellence. In gaining an impressive 26 certifications from the British Board of Agrément (BBA), SOPREMA exemplifies a commitment to quality. Founded in 1908, the company operates 101 production sites worldwide, employs 10,000 people and maintains 17 R&D and 22 training centres.

SOPREMA’s BBA-certified bitumen membranes are renowned for their outstanding quality, exceptional resistance, and long service life. Its certified products include bituminous waterproofing materials, structural waterproofing systems, and a liquid waterproofing range. As the company works with architectural practices and specifiers, it’s a critical requirement for their products to have undergone the stringent tests for safety, quality and validation of use that BBA certification requires.  

A Worthwhile Investment 

Debby Dawson, Marketing Director at SOPREMA comments, “BBA certification provides peace of mind to architects and specifiers using our waterproofing products and systems. Whilst it is a critical requirement in our market, we also believe it’s a valuable investment to maintain across our product ranges. Third-party certification enhances a product’s value and demonstrates that it has been verified for specific applications. 

We undergo regular onsite audits from the team at BBA, ensuring our quality and standards remain consistently high. Given our 9 plants across various European locations, time management is crucial as the BBA frequently checks our production processes throughout the year. We take pride in the transparency we offer in promoting and selling our products, and certification is another way we can achieve this.” 

By securing BBA certification, architects, contractors and end users can be assured that a product has been fully tested and validated for its intended use by an independent third party. Although many products can be utilised in construction projects without certification, BBA approval provides more rigorous testing procedures and clearer parameters for application. SOPREMA’s bitumen roofing systems are BBA-certified, meaning the products in the range have been thoroughly tested and are fit for purpose. Products such as SOPRAVEP EVA 35, which is used as a vapour barrier for buildings with high moisture production and SOPRALENE OPTIMA C3 GMF, which is applied as an upper layer within a single or multi-layer waterproofing system, can be installed with confidence and the knowledge that they have been tested and certified by the BBA. 

Approval for Architects 

A BBA certificate provides a standard often required by architects and specifiers when selecting a product. There is a vast range of solutions on the market that have different uses, benefits and material compositions. With SOPREMA’s extensive portfolio of solutions, BBA approval adds an extra layer of quality to the company’s certified products.  

Comprehensive third-party testing and regular inspections ensure that a product meets its usage claims before being deemed fit for purpose. Regular audits provide peace of mind as building regulations continue to evolve and update. 

“The construction industry is an ever-changing landscape, and we must all do our due diligence to uphold standards throughout the supply chain. BBA certification not only quantifies the true value of a product, but it also provides companies with learning opportunities to change their procedures and processes. This means after initial certification, the company already understands how to implement best practices with any subsequent products. SOPREMA is an excellent example, with 26 certifications acknowledging its commitment in providing and maintaining high standards throughout its product range,” comments Katy Roberts, BBA Sales & Marketing Director. 

Longevity Within the Industry 

SOPREMA’s longstanding relationship with the BBA and consistency in maintaining certification across its product portfolios demonstrates its commitment to high standards. With 26 certifications, SOPREMA maintains the quality of its products by employing the best practices learned through the certification process. Regular visits from the BBA offer valuable insights into evolving industry regulations, enabling SOPREMA to adapt its products accordingly. By undergoing multiple BBA assessments for its waterproofing systems, SOPREMA is positioning itself at the forefront of the construction industry, where product confidence and credibility are essential. 

About the BBA 

The British Board of Agrément (BBA) drives industry safety and quality by providing services that help clients through enabling innovation, identifying risk and demonstrating fitness-for-purpose. Since 1966, the BBA has built its position as an independent certification body in the Construction and Civil Engineering Industries, working with organisations from over 72 countries globally, and proudly enabling the innovation of products and systems. 

A rich heritage of expertise and skill, coupled with a collaborative approach to working in partnership with Industry, underpins an acute focus on construction innovation of the future. Through extensive product and system research, testing and certification, auditing, and inspection, the BBA helps to instil confidence throughout the construction and manufacturing supply chain in both the UK and Global marketplaces