BRC Global Standard for Packaging and FSSC 22000

The BRC Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials (BRC IoP) provides safety and quality guidance for the producers of packaging materials, in order to ensure the safety and quality of food and non-food products. The FSSC 22000 is applicable to packaging in direct of indirect food contact.

These are comprehensive standards covering areas of hygiene and product safety throughout the packaging industry. Food packaging producers are deeply involved in the food chain, and can significantly influence food safety. A specific technical perspective is provided by these standards, enabling the producers to take responsibility by putting in place a widely recognized food safety management system. The standards address part of the due diligence requirements* of the packaging manufacturer, packer/filler, and retailer. *The capability to be able to demonstrate that every reasonable measure has been taken to avoid an incident.

What are the standards?

All materials that come into contact with food, especially the food packaging, can influence food safety, both by failing to protect the food properly and through contamination. The BRC Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, developed by the British Retailers in cooperation with the Institute of Packaging, and the FSSC 22000 and ISO/TS 22002-4 (formerly PAS 223), address the requirements to guarantee food safety by applying the HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) principles specific to this sector of the food industry.

The BRC Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials requires:

The adoption of a formal Hazard and Risk Management System.
A documented Management System.
The control of factory standards, products, processes, and personnel.

The FSSC 22000 ensures food safety based on these generally recognized key elements:

Interactive communication: A structured informative flow to guarantee effective control of hazards.
Prerequisite programmes: GMP, as detailed in the packaging specific ISO/TS 22002-4.
HACCP principles: The basic methodology to plan safe production processes which are appropriate for every individual company, without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Why is certification good for my business?

The food safety chain and the connected due diligence chain are based on the appropriate contribution of all the market players. Your achievement as a reliable supplier is also linked to your capability to provide safe products. The standards provide several benefits:

Single verification commissioned by the manufacturer, in line with an agreed evaluation frequency, will allow manufacturers to report on their status to food retailers and other organisations.
Comprehensive standards cover areas of hygiene and product safety throughout the packaging industry.
Packaging manufacturers may use these standards to ensure that their suppliers are following good hygiene practices and complete the "due diligence" chain.
Ongoing surveillance and confirmation of the follow-up of corrective actions ensure that a self-improving quality, hygiene, and product safety system is established.

How can I prepare for certification?

Companies that plan well will often have an advantage and be prepared for certification. It is important that you and your company are positive, committed, and set clear target dates for implementation and assessment. This includes:

Establishing a Technical Management System.
Identifying legal requirements.
Identifying and documenting the specific food safety hazards and the relevant control measures (HACCP system and/or Good Manufacturing Practice).
Identifying the applicable Good Manufacturing Practice/Good Hygiene Practice, including a pest control programme, equipment and building maintenance programme, housekeeping and cleaning programme, and all the specific standard requirements. Implementing any needed structural improvements.

Why partner with us?

DNV is a world-leading certification body. We help businesses assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services. Within the food and beverage industry, we help customers worldwide to achieve excellence in food safety and quality, environmental management, supply chain management and product sustainability. Partnering with our customers, we build sustainable business performance and create stakeholder trust. The DNV Group operates in more than 100 countries. Our 16,000 professionals are dedicated to helping our customers make the world a safer, smarter and greener.