The BRCGS Global Standard Packaging Materials was first published in 2001 and is now used by over 6000 sites in over 90 countries globally. It helps a site to demonstrate they are providing safe products that are quality assured, legally compliant, authentic and meet the needs of the customer requirements. The first packaging standard to be recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and to have been globally industry benchmarked, BRCGS Global Standard Packaging Materials is now entering its 7th issue. It is used by food packaging producers and producers of packaging for all applications across the supply chain, including hygiene sensitive consumer products (including cosmetics), raw materials and other consumer products e.g. plastic gloves. A key reason for its success is that it specifies the product safety, quality and operational criteria required, so a site can fulfil its obligations, from legal compliance through to protection of the consumer. 

The revision and evolution of our Standards are at the heart of our work. By reviewing our standards, we can ensure that they incorporate latest industry trends and operations, practical experiences, and best practices from industry. The revision process enables us to take into account the changing expectations, regulatory requirements, and customer needs. It provides the opportunity to build on the value that our customers and stakeholders gain from the use of our Standards.

A revision of the Standard is underway, which has gathered comments from national and international stakeholders representing packaging manufacturers and converters, regulators, retailers, brand owners, food service companies, certification bodies, accreditation bodies and independent technical experts. This has allowed a working group to produce a draft standard which is now open for public comment.

To support this revision, the consultation period for feedback on the draft Global Standard Packaging Materials Issue 7 is now open. We encourage comments from national and international stakeholders representing packaging/packaging materials manufacturers, industry trade associations, regulators, retailers, food service companies, brand owners, certification bodies and independent technical experts.

Stakeholders are invited to consider the draft and provide feedback on both the proposed requirements and the audit protocol by email to brcgs.enquiries@lgcgroup.com using the consultation feedback form provided. 

CONSULTATION NOW CLOSED

 

Closing date for feedback submissions: 12 June 2024.

 

Timeline

As with all revisions of the Global Standards, there must be a transition period between consultation, publication of the complete, finalised Standard and full implementation of the Standard. Therefore:

  • Issue 7 will be published in October 2024.
  • Certification audits against Issue 7 will commence from in April 2025.