Food safety is of critical importance when working in the food supply chain. The BRCGS certification gives your brand an internationally recognised mark of quality, safety and responsibility. The Standard protects not only brands but consumers. It guarantees that strict levels of product quality and safety, as well as operational standards, are met. If you are a food manufacturer, supplier, or distributor, and you want to work with big retailers, BRCGS certification is expected. Foxpak has held a grade AA certification in the BRCGS for packaging and packaging materials for several years. You can download a copy of our recent certification here.
What is The BRCGS
BRC stands for British Retail Consortium. It was established in 1996 by retailers who wanted to harmonise food safety standards across the supply chain. Today, the BRC is a market-leading global brand that helps build confidence in the supply chain. They have Global Standards in the following areas;
The BRC, now known as the British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRCGS) has set the benchmark for good manufacturing practice. It helps brands provide assurance to customers that their products are safe, legal and of high quality.
What is the BRCGS for Packaging and Packaging Materials?
Originally developed in 2001, the Global Standard for Packaging Materials was designed to protect consumers by providing a common basis for the certification of companies supplying packaging to food producers. The standard outlines the product safety, quality and operational criteria that must be in place within a packaging manufacturing organisation to ensure packaging quality. In order to achieve a BRCGS certification for packaging and packaging materials, a company’s premises, operational systems and procedures should be assessed against the requirements of the Standard through an annual audit completed by the certification body.
Since its inception, the standard has been updated regularly, to reflect the latest thinking in product safety. It now provides a robust framework to assist packaging manufacturers in the production of safe packaging materials managing product quality and maintaining legal compliance. Today, the BRCGS for packaging and packaging materials is recognised by many brand owners, retailers, food service companies and manufacturers around the world when assessing the capabilities of their suppliers.
How does it benefit our customers?
There are many benefits to choosing a packaging supplier who holds a BRCGS certification for packaging materials.
Globally Recognised Certification
The BRCGS for Packaging and Packaging Materials is the first global food safety packaging scheme to be regarded as the benchmark for best practice in the food industry. Although it originated in the UK, the BRCGS is now required by leading retailers, manufacturers and foodservice organisations worldwide. In fact, 70% of the top 10 global retailers accept or specify a BRCGS certification before listing a product in their stores.
Supplier and Customer Confidence
Many retailers, brand owners, raw material processors and packaging manufacturers around the world support the use of the BRCGS and accept it as part of their supplier approval processes. Whether you’re an established brand or based in an emerging market, choosing a packaging supplier with a BRCGS certification will help ensure your customers have confidence in your products. By opting for a BRCGS certified packaging supplier you help to improve product safety, reduce waste, complaints, recalls and rejected products.
Positive Marketing Tool
Brands can take advantage of the BRCGS certification, using it as a positive marketing tool to show customers that the product they are purchasing is protected by quality packaging and is compliant with food safety regulations. Brands can choose to display the BRCGS Certificated logo on public-facing materials, such as packaging, websites and online content and marketing materials. Companies that hold a BRCGS certification appear on the BRCGS Directory, giving further recognition to brand owners that use the system.
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