USER-DRIVEN INNOVATION AND DESIGN
We seek to involve key stakeholders in our product development. There are many influencers in our value chain regardless of whether they are trades people, distributors or end users. We are pleased to include them in the process and are open to their suggestions, comments and feedback. We believe the best solution results from maintaining a close dialogue with our stakeholders in order to incorporate their input into the new product development process.
Testing new ideas
At DOLLE, we value our colleagues' creative ideas and input and we therefore never write off a good idea before we have tested its marketability. Employing the principles of "Rapid Prototyping" to any new ideas on the drawing board also ensures that thought is quickly converted into action on the product development side. Rapid Prototyping is simply about ensuring that we produce workable models capable of illustrating the principles of the new ideas within a very short timeframe. The models are produced in whatever materials are available at the time, be that cardboard, wood, pipe cleaners and so on, so that we do not waste a substantial amount of time sourcing specific materials. At this point we are still at the ideas stage of the process, if the models compel us to pursue the idea further, we create 3D drawings and prototypes in order to test its form and function and take account of all relevant aspects before embarking on the actual production phase.
On-going quality tests
Before launching our products to the market, we always test them thoroughly to ensure they meet legal requirements, industry standards and guidelines as well as our own quality demands. Our products are subjected to many different types of tests, such as airtightness testing on loft ladders, strength testing on all types of stairs, repetition testing on closing mechanisms and hinges as well as tensile testing and strength testing on our handrail banister systems for indoors and outdoors.
At DOLLE we pride ourselves in providing functional, contemporary and aesthetic quality products which as a minimum meet current industry standards and codes of practice. We maintain a constant focus on developing new products and models and test all products thoroughly before delivering them to the end user.
TESTING OF DOLLE LOFT LADDER
Before launching a new loft ladder, we thoroughly test it to ensure that all our loft ladders meet legal requirements, industry standards, guidelines, and our own high-quality demands. Our loft ladders undergo various types of tests, including strength testing, insulation capacity (U-value), and airtightness.
Strength of Loft Ladders According to EN 14975
We test the strength of our loft ladders using several methods, including load-bearing tests, repetitive testing of closing mechanisms and hinges, as well as tensile tests, all in accordance with EN 14975. Our loft ladders are approved for a service load of 150 kg, using a test load of 265 kg to ensure safety and durability.
Loft Ladders with Low U-values According to EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016, EN ISO 10077-1:2006, and EN ISO 10077-2:2017
We assess the U-values of our loft ladders as building components, similar to doors and windows. A lower U-value indicates better insulation and reduced heat loss. At DOLLE, we provide certification for the U-values of our loft ladders, ensuring energy efficiency.
Airtightness of Loft Ladders According to EN 12207 and EN 1026:2016
DOLLE’s unique sealing system plays a critical role in preventing drafts and heat loss. We have developed a sealing system that ensures a tight closure between the trapdoor and the frame, effectively blocking drafts and preserving heat. Our loft ladders are tested according to EN 1026:2016 and classified in accordance with the EN 12207 standard for airtightness.
Fire-resistant Loft Ladders According to EN 13501-2
We offer a series of fire-resistant loft ladders, with the DOLLE REI 45 tested according to the latest European standard EN 13501-2. The designation REI refers to three critical fire-resistance properties:
R (Resistance): The loft ladder’s ability to maintain its load-bearing capacity during a fire.
E (Integrity): The ability to prevent the passage of flames and gases.
I (Insulation): The ability to limit the transfer of heat.
The "45" indicates that the loft ladder can withstand fire for 45 minutes, hence the name DOLLE REI 45.
ISO 9001
At DOLLE, we maintain a constant focus on safety and quality and we therefore place great demands not just on our own production, but also on the production of our suppliers. Our own production plants are subject to extensive quality management measures, in addition to which we have established effective quality processes and systems to ensure that our suppliers also meet our required standards. We therefore test all incoming deliveries in accordance with the European standards for spot checking, ISO 2859.
All raw materials and components are carefully selected to ensure they are in good order in terms of strength, function, safety and quality. Our products are always produced in line with applicable legislation, standards and codes of practice and are certified by all relevant authorities.
DOLLE A/S is ISO 9001 certified which assures clients that we meet the quality requirements specified by the ISO 9001 standard. In practical terms it means that an independent certification body controls and verifies that all of our production procedures are clearly documented and adhered to at all times.
Environment
At DOLLE we ensure our wood originates from certified plantations that are managed responsibly. This also ensures that our production complies with current laws and standards in relation to the environment. We recycle materials where possible, sort, press and dispose our waste in a responsible way.
Our purchasing policy dictates that we only buy wood-based raw materials from environmentally conscious, trustworthy and reliable suppliers. As far as possible, we endeavor to buy FSC - certified products and we will, as a matter of course, refuse to buy wood that has been illegally logged or originates from countries in which basic civil rights are not respected. You can recognize our loft ladders when they are of timber from renewable FSC certified forest. They will be marked with the FSC logo or FCS licence code. If they do not carry logo or licence code they are not of FSC certified. DOLLE A/S focuses on protecting the environment throughout the entire process, from purchasing, production and distribution - through to the subsequent disposal of industrial waste.
Danish quality
Danish design and craftmanship are combined with traditional materials. DOLLE loft ladders are manufactured in Denmark under ISO certified systems, our timber is sourced primary from renewable FSC certified forests for almost all loft ladders. We are constantly expanding our product range and are working on technical improvements and innovations: For example, DOLLE pioneered thermal insulation and developed windproof installation solutions for loft ladders. DOLLE since 1951.