| Synopsis: |
The Packaging Standard is the benchmark for best practice across the packaging industry for the packaging of food and other non-food products. This revised Standard has arisen out of extensive consultation between the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the Institute of Packaging (IoP), packaging suppliers, food manufacturers and third party certification bodies. The new revisions are essential for certification and compliance will help manufacturers to stay on retailers' supplier lists. Changes to the new Standard include: clearly defined requirements leading to more concise interpretations; changes to reflect new legislation and best practice standards; an extensive protocol section; a clear definition of scope; extending the scope of the Standard to allow products other than food to be certified; Since its launch in 2001, the Standard is well on its way to becoming truly global. BRC registered certification bodies currently work in a number of countries, including the USA and China. Significant benefits apply to retailers, suppliers and packaging producers.They include: greater confidence in supply and compliance with legal requirements; reduced costs by the elimination of multi-audits; enhanced due diligence systems for all parties; clear and concise statements of best practice requirements; certification to a well-defined internationally recognised Standard; standardised industry approach. The Standard also covers Hazard and Risk Management, Technical Management System, Factory Standards, Contamination Control and Personnel. The new Standard will come into effect from 1st March 2005, translated editions are available from October 2004. |