SQAS, developed by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), is a meticulous, independent system designed to evaluate logistics providers across eight performance pillars, including transport operations, health & safety, environmental protection, training, and corporate social responsibility. Unlike traditional certifications, SQAS offers a transparent and holistic view of a company’s capabilities rather than a simple pass/fail grade.
The assessment, conducted across Rhenus Belgium’s chemical transport operations, revealed substantial progress and highlighted the company’s competitive edge. “This 97% result not only validates our operational excellence but also reflects our strategic direction as a safety-first, sustainability-driven logistics partner,” said Glen Verlinden, General Manager of Rhenus Belgium. “It’s a testament to the investments we have made in our people, systems, and long-term ESG goals.”
Key milestones and challenges
Rhenus Belgium had previously participated in SQAS assessments in the early 2000s, but the latest review marks a significant evolution, particularly with the growing emphasis on sustainability. “One of the biggest shifts we observed was the elevated importance of environmental performance. This challenge became our opportunity,” said Verlinden. Leveraging Rhenus’ advanced internal CO₂ tracking and reduction tools, the company made marked progress in outpacing competitors on sustainability metrics.
Another cornerstone of improvement was internal skill-development. Rhenus launched intensive retraining programs focused on safety and hazardous materials regulations, aligning every operational layer with evolving compliance standards such as ADR, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
Driving Continuous Improvement
Achieving a 97% score promotes safer work environments, strengthens community relations, and lays a strong foundation for sustainable logistics growth. Moreover, it paves the way for new collaborations with global chemical manufacturers, facilitates inclusion in upcoming RFQs, and underscores Rhenus’ commitment to investing in long-term partnerships within the chemical industry.
As part of its forward-looking roadmap, Rhenus plans to address the remaining improvement areas through targeted action plans and to scale this success across its European network - including operations in Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
“In our sector, SQAS is more than an assessment, it is a reflection of who we are and where we are headed,” concluded Verlinden. “We are proud of this milestone and even more motivated to keep raising the bar.”
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