Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials (Issue 3)

The new edition of the Standard, the Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, is published in January 2008. Incorporating a thorough review of all clauses to provide greater guidance for packaging businesses and clarity to auditors, the Standard has been extensively revised from issue 2 to issue 3. And effective from 1 July 2008

The standard was introduced to help in the protection of the consumer by providing a common basis for the evaluation of companies supplying, packaging for food products to retailers.

This standard is most applicable to manufacturers of food contact packaging for retailers labeled products and branded products as well. Manufacturers have an obligation to put appropriate systems and controls in place to ensure the suitability of their packaging for safe food use.

The standard applies primarily to the manufacturing of converted packaging used in food packaging and filling operations. It is also intended to apply to;

Prior converting operations as appropriate
Operations that are supplying packaging material from stock where additional product processing or re-packing occurs
Consumer disposable goods that come into contact with food that are made from packaging material or material intended for food preparation


The new edition of the Standard, the Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, is due to be published on 21st December 2007. Incorporating a thorough review of all clauses to provide greater guidance for packaging businesses and clarity to auditors, the Standard has been extensively revised from issue 2.


All of the changes within the revised edition have been based on wide and extensive consultation with international stakeholders. Changes include:

Scope
The scope of the Standard has been extended to encompass packaging for food and non food use. Three categories of packaging with regard to the standards of hygiene under which packaging is produced, have been identified. A decision tree has been produced to aid in identifying the packaging category and specific examples are also given.

Audit frequency
The audit frequency has been reviewed and now all audits will be carried out at 12 month frequencies unless three or more major non-conformities are found, where the next audit shall be due in six months.

Report Format
The report format has been updated to provide enhanced presentation of information to the user and report owner. An example completed report format will be available on our website by the end of January 2008. This will establish a benchmark for certification bodies and an expectation of the quality of reporting for companies.


Auditor Qualifications
Details on the requirements for auditors is now included within the Standard to ensure transparency and allow companies to verify auditor qualifications.

Requirements Clauses
The format of the Requirements has been updated to be consistent with other BRC Global Standards and therefore does not include Best Practice Guidelines. The Requirements have been reviewed and expanded and several new sections have been incorporated in light of industry requirements. The number of clauses now total a maximum of 242 (from 178) and include more detailed guidance and clarity to facilitate interpretation for certification bodies and companies. Particular reference is made to the following:

Management Commitment and Continual (clause 1)

Management Commitment and Continual Improvement has been extensively revised to ensure that a high priority is placed on clear evidence of senior management commitment in the provision of resources and communication. Continual improvement shall be effected through comprehensive management reviews. Additional requirements specific to the audit process include having the current issue of the Standard and ensuring effective corrective action for non-conformities is undertaken.

Hazard and Risk Management (clause 2)

Hazard and risk management has been comprehensively reviewed and contains guidance to companies to ensure a thorough hazard and risk analysis is undertaken. Now split into 3 subsections it contains requirements for a trained multidisciplinary team and annual review.
Customer Focus and Contract Review (clause 3.3)

Customer Focus and Contract Review is now included which specifies the requirement to identify and review customer requirements and those individuals who communicate with customers.
Site Security (clause 4.2)

In response to current issues, Site Security has been pulled together as a stand alone section, requiring controlled access and training of staff and secure storage of materials.
Product Design and Development (clause 5.1)

A new section of Product Design and Development has been incorporated which requires customer design requirements to be defined and agreed and used to develop procedures and specifications.
In-line Testing Equipment (clause 5.2)

The control of In-line Testing Equipment is now covered, where the need shall be based on hazard and risk analysis and controlled by documented procedures. The BRC will be working more closely with certification bodies and accreditation bodies to improve the infrastructure through training and the development of performance monitors.


To allow time for retailers, producers and certification bodies to become fully familiar with the new requirements and for the BRC to develop their support and infrastructure the BRC will not recognize certification against the revised Standard for six months after it is formally published. Certification against Issue 3 will not commence until 1 st July 2008. This will be published as a requirement in the Standard.

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