About Sterling Reference materials

Sterling Reference Materials is a newly established Reference Material Producer (RMP) focused on developing high-quality Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) to support the needs of analytical chemists and quality control laboratories. Our goal is to provide materials that help ensure data accuracy, method validation, regulatory compliance, and long-term consistency in analytical measurements.

We understand the critical role CRMs play in laboratory performance, and we're committed to scientific rigor, transparency, and collaboration. Whether you’re fine-tuning methods, qualifying instruments, or supporting QA/QC programs, Sterling aims to be a trusted partner in delivering reference materials that meet your standards and expectations.

Sterling is owned and operated by Jim Parker, who brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in analytical chemistry and reference material production. Jim led the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Thermal Analysis groups at the Johns Manville R&D Center for 16 years, where he developed internal and industry-standard CRMs. He continued this work with two other RMPs—Analytical Reference Materials International and Rocky Mountain Reference Materials—further expanding his expertise in CRM development across a range of matrices and techniques.

Current development projects include materials for sulfur, mercury, and chlorine in coal; elemental analysis in cement, petroleum coke, and fly ash; hard rock mine waste, and PFAS-contaminated soils. Many of these are open to round-robin participation for method validation and statistical robustness. If your lab is interested in contributing to or benefiting from these collaborative efforts, we welcome your involvement.