BRCGS Packaging Materials

The global standard for packaging materials

The standard helps companies that are supplying packaging items show quality and legal compliance and authenticity. The standard is applicable to Packaging material manufacturers but also those who produce packaging materials for conversion and printing or supply materials that require further processing or re-packing.

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What Is BRCGS Packaging Materials?

The BRCGS Packaging Materials Global Standard provides packaging businesses a detailed framework in which to build a comprehensive Integrated Business Management System.

The standard helps organisations consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. By following the standard businesses can streamline their processes, reduce risks and improve the safety and quality of packaging products.

Achieving BRCGS Packaging Materials certification signifies a commitment to high-quality products and builds trust with customers and stakeholders.

BRCGS Packaging Materials

Understanding BRCGS Packaging Materials

The BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard has become a global benchmark for quality and compliance in the packaging industry. Many companies achieve certification to improve operational efficiency, elevate quality and demonstrate authenticity of materials.

It was the first Standard to be recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and has undergone regular updates to align with the latest developments in the packaging industry. The Standard does not just apply to companies that make packaging for food but all packaging manufacturers across the supply chain.

This standard is currently on its 7th issue, which aligns with the latest developments in the packaging industry, including requirements for hazard analysis.

Understanding BRCGS Packaging Materials

Who Needs BRCGS Packaging Materials?

The BRCGS Packaging Materials standard is important for packaging businesses of all sizes that produce, process or supply packaging materials.

Implementing this standard supports companies in meeting stringent regulatory and customer requirements. Its systematic approach helps streamline operations, mitigate risks and refine production processes.

Achieving BRCGS certification is particularly useful for businesses wanting to enter new markets or elevate their reputation. It demonstrates a commitment to packaging quality and compliance.

This standard helps packaging businesses improve operational efficiency and product quality. It can also help companies access international markets.

Who Needs BRCGS Packaging Materials?

Benefits of BRCGS Packaging Materials

The BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard provides many advantages:

  • Enhanced market access – Certification opens doors to new markets as many require BRCGS-certified suppliers.
  • Improved product safety and quality – helps businesses consistently provide quality and compliant products.
  • Compliance with regulations – Helps meet legal requirements, minimising risks of penalties.
  • Streamlined supply chain management – Standardises procedures, enhancing efficiency and consistency.
  • Increased customer confidence – Acts as a mark of reliability for high quality and compliance standards.
  • Risk management – Identifies and manages risks for proactive prevention.
  • Continual improvement – Encourages ongoing process assessment and refinement.
Benefits of BRCGS Packaging Materials

The BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard Explained

BRCGS Packaging Materials

The British Retail Consortium initially created the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard to provide a thorough framework for ensuring packaging product quality and safety.

It has been revised to meet the ever evolving world of packaging supply and continues to effectively promote quality and compliance.

The Standard follows quality management principles and also covers regulatory compliance, hygiene standards and risk management in the packaging sector. It applies to various stages of packaging production and supply.

The globally recognised BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard helps businesses maintain a high-quality standard, protect the integrity of their products and build customer trust.

BRCGS Packaging Materials Requirements

There are several key requirements that must be met for successful certification:

  • Senior management commitment – Show leadership and commitment to packaging quality and safety.
  • Hazard and risk management system – Use HARA to identify and control packaging risks.
  • Product safety and quality management – Maintain a documented system for consistent safety and quality.
  • Site standards – Keep facilities and equipment clean and safe.
  • Product and process control – Ensure materials meet quality and safety standards.
  • Personnel – Train staff to effectively implement safety and quality procedures.
  • Supplier and raw material management – Monitor suppliers to meet safety and quality standards.
  • Traceability and crisis management – Provide full traceability and have plans for managing recalls.

BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification

Your certification journey typically includes the following steps: 

  • Getting started – Read the Standard and Interpretation Guideline publications. Contact us to discuss your application.
  • Learn – If desired, attend BRCGS Academy training for a practical understanding of the requirements.
  • Review – Conduct a self-assessment gap analysis using the Standard. Assemble and train an implementation team. Consider consultancy if needed.
  • Prepare – Develop an action plan to implement the Standard. Perform risk assessments, establish control points, and conduct internal audits.
  • Plan audit – Arrange an audit with us. Ensure staff availability and preparation.
  • On-site audit – Auditors will check procedures, review documentation, and conduct staff interviews to assess implementation.
  • Non-conformities – Address any non-conformities with corrective actions and preventive measures within 28 days post-audit.
  • Certification – We review non-conformities and finalise the audit report. If successful, certification is issued within 42 days of the audit’s start.

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BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard FAQs

What are the objectives of BRCGS?

BRCGS focuses on ensuring the safety, quality, and operational standards of food, packaging and other consumer products. Its goals include:

  • Improving product safety and quality – Setting strict standards to lower risks and enhance product quality and safety.
  • Helping with compliance – Assisting businesses in meeting legal requirements and following industry best practices.
  • Building consumer trust – Giving consumers confidence that products meet high safety and quality standards.
  • Supporting supplier management – Offering a framework to evaluate suppliers and increase transparency in the supply chain.
What Is the difference between BRCGS and ISO?

BRCGS and ISO both provide standards, but they differ in several key areas, including focus and application.

BRCGS have standards that cover food and packaging manufacture, storage and distribution, agents and brokers the supply of consumer goods. BRCGS Standards are prescriptive and provide a framework to develop an integrated management system that covers quality, hygiene and risk assessments. In contrast, ISO covers a broader range of industries, offering various standards such as ISO 9001 for quality management.

The development process for these standards also differs. BRCGS standards are developed with input from industry experts, retailers and certification bodies to specifically target supply chain safety. ISO standards are developed through global consensus, making them applicable to a wide range of sectors.

BRCGS standards tend to be more prescriptive and detailed for specific industries, while ISO standards provide a framework that organisations can adapt to their unique business needs.

Is BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification mandatory?

BRCGS Packaging Materials certification is not universally mandatory. Its requirement depends on the business’s market, contractual obligations, and industry demands. Some retailers or manufacturers may require certification from their suppliers to ensure consistent safety and quality standards.

Although not legally required, this certification could be essential for market access and maintaining a competitive advantage.

How can I check if a company Is BRCGS-certified?

To check if a company is BRCGS-certified, you can:

  • Visit the BRCGS Directory – This is a public directory where you can search for certified companies.
  • Request certification documentation – You can ask the company directly for their certification documents, which should include details of their BRCGS certification status.
  • Contact BRCGS – For further confirmation or inquiries, contacting BRCGS directly can help verify a company’s certification status.

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