beterleven

Beter Leven Keurmerk

The Beter Leven Keurmerk (BLK) is an animal welfare certification that uses a star system to indicate the standard of living for animals in meat, egg, and dairy production. It is designed for all organisations in the supply chain, from farm to retail. Control Union Certifications is a recognised body authorised to conduct audits and provide certification for the BLK scheme, supporting businesses in demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare.

Control Union – Certification

    What is Beter Leven Keurmerk?

    Owned by the Dutch Society for the Protection of Animals (Dierenbescherming), the Beter Leven Keurmerk is a comprehensive chain-of-custody standard. Certification enables organisations to demonstrate that they meet higher animal welfare standards, leveraging the mark’s growing brand awareness among consumers to meet market requirements. Control Union facilitates this process with practical auditors who have direct experience in the agricultural sector, ensuring a proficient and knowledgeable assessment of operations from farm to final product.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Features of Beter Leven Keurmerk

    Control Union – Meat production
    1.

    Animal welfare star system

    Indicates the level of animal-friendliness in production with a clear, tiered star rating from one to three.

    2.

    Full supply chain integrity

    A chain-of-custody standard ensures all links, from farm to retailer, are audited for compliance.

    3.

    Meet customer demands

    Demonstrates a commitment to higher animal welfare, meeting the expectations of consumers and the market.

    4.

    Growing brand recognition

    Leverage the increasing consumer awareness and trust associated with the Beter Leven Keurmerk on products.

    5.

    Expert agricultural audits

    Control Union provides practical auditors with direct experience in the agricultural sector to guide the process.

    Control Union – agri
    In a constantly changing environment, we are working with supply chain partners to create a demonstrably more sustainable future.
    Vincent van Tol – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Agri, Horticulture & Organic

    Request Beter Leven keurmerk or discuss without obligation?

    We are here to assist. Please fill out the below form of cal +31 38 42 60 107

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    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example, developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Control Union - supply chain