BRC/IOP Global Standard for packaging and packaging materials

Background :-
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), which is the trade association representing 90% of the retail trade in the UK has joined with The Institute of Packaging (IOP) the professional membership body for the packaging industry, to develop the BRC/IOP Global Standard for packaging and packaging materials.

It has been recognised for some time that the packaging industry, has needed to develop a new standard for food packaging materials, which would ultimately replace the various packaging standards currently available. Such a standard is now available.

It is recognised that the packaging industry is diverse in its materials, processes and technologies. Trade Associations representing the Paper and Board, Aluminium and Steel Glass and Plastics packaging sectors have all been consulted during the development of this Standard. The IOP has brought together the many needs of these sectors involved in the manufacture of food and non-food packaging and has satisfied itself that the requirements of this Standard can be practically achieved.

Why have a Standard ?:- U.K. Retailers and their supplies of retail branded products must take "all reasonable precautions and exercise all due diligence". In the development, manufacture, distribution, advertising or sale of food products to the consumer.

Supplies of packaging to UK retailers or suppliers of packaging to food manufacturers providing retailer branded products, have an obligation to put appropriate systems and controls in place to ensure the suitability of their packaging for safe food use.

BRC and IOP have developed this Standard to assist retailers and food manufacturers in the fulfilment of their legal obligations.

The Standard will help protect consumers by providing a common basis for the audit of companies supplying packaging for food products to retailers.

The Standard Requires:

1. The adoption of a formal Hazard Analysis System.

2. A documented Technical Management System.

3. The control of factory standards, products, processes and personnel.

Benefits of the BRC/IOP Standard

A single standard and protocol that allows an evaluation by a third party accredited to European standard EN45011

Single verification in the line with an agreed evaluation frequency; will allow both manufacturers and suppliers to report upon their status to food retailers and other organisation.

The Standard addresses part of the "due diligence" requirements of the packaging manufacture / supplier, packer / filler and retailer.

A single Standard accepted by all retailers should significantly reduce the number of audits carried out per year.

For the certification process to have credibility, it is to be conducted by bodies that are both independent and competent. Knight International Inspectorate is able to provide this service to clients within all sectors of the packaging industry, under BS EN 45011.

The Standard will be reviewed on a regular basis by the BRC and the IOP and revised where considered appropriate.