BRC Global Standard for Packaging

Manufacturers and suppliers of packaging used for retailer own branded products have an obligation to implement appropriate systems and controls to ensure the suitability of their packaging for safe food and non-food use.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and The Institute of Packaging (now known as The Packaging Society) jointly developed this Technical Standard to assist retailers and food manufacturers in meeting their legal obligations. A key aim of this standard was to help in protecting the consumer by providing a common basis for the evaluation of companies supplying packaging for food products to retailers.

Importantly, it also provided a single common standard and protocol that would enable an external assessment to be undertaken by a competent third party organisation which was independent of both the food manufacturer and of the packaging manufacturer/supplier. LRQA holds accreditation from UKAS to the European standard EN 45011 which together with our expertise in the food safety sector means we are ideally placed to help those needing to comply with the standard.

Since its publication in 2001, this packaging standard has become widely accepted and has become adopted by major retailers, manufacturers and packaging businesses around the world. Reviewed regularly, Issue 4 was published in February 2011. We are currently assessing against this version.

How can certification benefit my organisation?

Packaging manufacturers and suppliers have for many years commissioned hygiene audits to both satisfy the ‘due diligence’ defence and to improve premises and practices. In addition, they may also have been subject to second party audits from customers.

Issue 4, the recent version of the Standard was published February 2011 giving added focus on quality and functional aspects of packaging which fits well with the established requirements of factory hygiene.

The certification visit includes inspection of your hazard and risk management system, technical management system to include quality and hygiene systems and factory standards, products, processes and personnel. The visit includes preparation of the Audit Report, which will be sent to you following approval, at which point you can issue to your customers to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of the Standard.

There are significant benefits in certification to this Standard. It helps reduce or eliminate multiple assessments with the additional benefits of reduction in disruption to the business, associated paperwork and costs. Additional benefits include:

• single verification programme enabling regular reporting to food retailers and other parties as agreed
• comprehensive and focused on quality, legality and product safety
• addresses part of the ‘due diligence’ requirements of packaging manufacturer/ supplier; packer/filler and retailer
• regular surveillance visits help ensure continual improvement of the quality, hygiene and product safety system
• a standardised reporting format gives information on how sites meet the requirements

Need to know more?

Call 0800 783 2179 or complete our enquiry form for further information on our services.