Certification for packaging manufacturers in the retailer supply chain

Certification to the BRC/IOP Global Standard Packaging will help your business by...

• providing a common auditing standard for technical and hygiene systems
• introducing savings in time spent on supplier audits
• increasing efficiency and improving the working environment
• giving you a competitive advantage over other suppliers

The BRC (British Retail Consortium) and IOP (Institute of Packaging) developed the Standard to help retailers and food manufacturers in the fulfilment of their legal obligations. It is now generally seen as a pre-requisite for suppliers of food packaging to the major British retailers and provides a common basis for the audit of companies supplying packaging for food products to retailers.

How does the Standard Work?

The Standard applies to the manufacture and supply of packaging materials, including items such as labels, used in the food and other industries.

The Standard requires companies to:

• adopt a formal hazard analysis system
• have a documented technical management system
• control factory standards, products, processes and personnel

It applies (with slightly different requirements) to materials in direct contact with food and those used in outer packaging, labelling etc.

The BRC Website provides an overview and more information.

A copy of the BRC Standard can be ordered from RSPH - contact us.

Getting Started

Once you have reviewed your technical and hygiene management systems against the standard you may feel your company is ready for certification. Contact us as soon as you can and we can guide you through the process, help you complete the necessary documentation and arrange your certification evaluation (audit).

After reading the Standard most companies find they have procedures that need clarification or amendment. RSPH certification can help with a Gap Analysis identifying areas for improvement and providing a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved for Certification. We can also assist with training, or simply provide assurance that you're moving in the right direction.

RSPH would be pleased to supply you with our information pack - contact us.

RSPH Gap Analysis

An RSPH Certification Gap Analysis mirrors a full certification visit and is carried out by an RSPH Evaluator with experience specifically in food packaging certification. Using the same evaluation checklist as in a full certification visit, the evaluator presents their findings and discusses any non-conformances identified. They will make it clear whether or not the site, as it stands, would or would not achieve certification.

Should a gap analysis identify major problems or if you need assistance with aspects such as designing a hazard analysis system contact us.

To book a gap analysis contact RSPH Certification

Transferring your Certification to RSPH

If your site is already certified to the BRC Global Standard - Packaging but you are considering switching from your current Certification Body to RSPH Certification - perhaps to take advantage of combined BRC/IOP and ISO evaluations, we will arrange evaluations at dates which ensure your certification remains active throughout the transfer period. Contact us for more details.

Joint Evaluations for Certification to BRC/IOP Global Standard - Packaging and ISO 9001:2000

RSPH Certification offers joint evaluations to the BRC/IOP Global Standard Packaging and ISO 9001:2000. The food packaging industry is increasingly subject to multiple audits and inspections. To meet customers' needs in

• saving time
• reducing costs
• avoiding duplication of effort

the same RSPH Evaluator will normally carry out audits to both standards in the same visit. Only, for example, if a site is particularly extensive or is undergoing an initial inspection to either or both standards may it be necessary to use two evaluators during the same visit.

Need help?

Our FAQs section will answer many of the questions you're already likely to have at this stage.