Competencies of “Achema” LKC environment laboratory evaluated
On the 9th of April 2025 National Accreditation Bureau decided to accredit LKC environment laboratory of AB “Achema” regarding the compliance with LST EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard to perform chemical tests and sampling of water and wastewater. The certificate issued is valid for 5 years. The introduction of this standard shows that the laboratory is competent to conduct research in the accredited field and the results of the respectful research will be recognized by state institutions.
The implementation of ISO 17 025 standard in the environmental laboratory was prompted by the requirement of the Law on Environmental Monitoring, which will come into force on the 1st of January 2026 to carry out environmental monitoring of companies only by accredited laboratories. Previously, environmental monitoring of companies could be carried out by laboratories holding a permit issued by Environmental Protection Agency.
According to Raimonda Grinienė, the Head of Laboratory Control Centre of “Achema”, the accreditation granted by National Accreditation Bureau covers a broader assessment of the overall competence and compliance of an environmental laboratory with applicable standards. Laboratory accreditation means higher level of quality of the laboratory activities.
“The preparation phase, which lasted about a year and a half, required not only additional financial resources, but also intensive involvement of environmental laboratory staff as it was necessary to prepare a quality manual, new procedures, documentation, participate in international comparative studies and obtain positive results, verify research methods, etc. That was a considerable challenge for the entire laboratory team. This process is not over yet: we continue to work intensively seeking to accredit other areas of water and air research,” explained R. Grinienė.
