Draft version BRC Packaging Materials 6 published

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) recently published the draft of the BRC Global Standard for Packaging Materials, issue 6. This draft proposes changes to the new standard. Until December 15, it is possible to view the draft and provide feedback to BRC. This can be done through the following website.

Especially for companies that do not make products that come into direct contact with food (the so-called "basic hygiene products"), we recommend that they read the entire standard carefully because they are explicitly asked to report the requirements that are considered too challenging.

Précon has listed for you the most important changes from the draft standard:

• The changes are largely in line with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), version 7.1 requirements, as also implemented in some other standards. These include requirements related to Product Defense and Product Fraud. This requires companies to conduct a risk analysis for Product Defense and Product Fraud and establish control measures based on that analysis.
• Conducting a root cause analysis in conjunction with a continuous improvement cycle, are considered so important that it has been included as a new fundamental. Companies are expected to maintain a continuous cycle of improvement. When set goals are not achieved, companies should identify the cause to ensure that this does not happen in the future.
• Also new in the draft is the emphasis on creating preconditions for improving product safety culture. The company should have a clear plan for developing and continuously improving product safety and quality culture.v
• Whereas the standard was previously primarily a hygiene standard, the trend is moving toward a standard that focuses more on product quality and safety. For the hazard analysis and risk inventory, this means that possible quality issues must be named. When control of these is necessary, Quality Control Points (QCPs) are named.
• Version 5 of the standard distinguished between "high hygiene products" for primary packaging and "basic hygiene products" for packaging that does not have direct contact with the food product. This distinction has disappeared and companies are now expected to substantiate which hygiene standards should be used based on risk assessments.
• A new chapter is included specifically for the plastics industry. This chapter includes requirements to prevent contamination of the surrounding area (environment).
• Finally, in line with GFSI requirements, a change in the audit protocol has been implemented. Companies can now only choose either totally unannounced- or totally announced audits.

The impact of the changes depends on many factors, such as the products you produce, the process and the current state of your quality system. Do you have questions, comments or want to spar with us about the impact of the changes? Contact us at info@precongroup.com or read more on our Quality Standards page.