subject: Information About Brc / Iop Packaging Standard [print this page] The BRC/IOP Packaging standard was developed in conjunction with the Institute of Packaging (IOP), the professional body for the packaging industry and is seen as a logical extension of the BRC Food Standard.
It is recognized that the packaging industry is diverse in its materials, processes and technologies and various trade associations were consulted during the development of the standard. As the professional membership body for the packaging industry, the Institute of Packaging has satisfied itself that the requirements of this standard can be practically achieved.
What does the Standard require?
* The adoption of a formal Hazard Analysis System.
* A documented technical management system
* Control of factory standards, product, process and personnel.
The format of this standard defines a packaging supplier as belonging to a category "A" or "B". There is a decision tree within the standard with category "B" packaging defined as one which is used for direct food contact or enters an environment where there are unprotected or open food products "" these tend to be packaging such as microwave trays or cups in which the food is directly packed into. A category "A" packaging can be viewed as low risk packaging (from a food manufacturer"s viewpoint) such as cardboard boxes where the food product is already sealed within its primary packaging. The standard should be referred to in order to decide which category is relevant.
The Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials
Originally created to establish a Standard for the suppliers of packaging and packaging materials for the food industry, this Standard is now a leading global Standard adopted by major retailers, manufacturers and packaging businesses around the world and is equally applicable to non-food packaging producers. Certification to the Standard verifies technical performance, aids manufacturers" fulfillment of legal obligations and helps provide protection to the consumer.
The latest edition features a number of innovations, including:
* Extended scope to cover non-food packaging producers
* The audit frequency established at 12 month intervals, with 6 months for suppliers receiving 3 or more major non-conformities
* Requirements for auditors included in the Standard to allow companies to verify auditor qualifications
* Greater emphasis on senior management demonstrating their commitment to the aim of achieving product quality and safety and to ensuring that corrective action for non-conformities is undertaken
* Hazard and risk management has been comprehensively reviewed to provide greater guidance to certification bodies and producers
* Expanded sections on issues of major importance, such as site security, product design and development and control of In-line testing equipment
What does the standard require?
The standard contains a number of 'fundamental, requirements which must be well established, continuously maintained and monitored by the company. The requirements deemed as being fundamental are Haccp, the quality management system, internal audits, corrective actions, traceability, layout / product flow / segregation, housekeeping & hygiene, handling requirements for specific materials, control of operations and training.
Where a critical or major non conformance is raised against one of these requirements, this now leads to a full evaluation against the standard (i.e. another audit)
What does the BRC packaging standard require?
The standard contains a number of 'fundamental, requirements which must be well established, continuously maintained and monitored by the company. The requirements deemed as being fundamental are Haccp, the quality management system, internal audits, corrective actions, traceability, layout / product flow / segregation, housekeeping & hygiene, handling requirements for specific materials, control of operations and training.
Where a critical or major non conformance is raised against one of these requirements, this now leads to a full evaluation against the standard (i.e. another audit)
