Esterform meets new technical standard
newly introduced BRC/IOP Technical Standard for its PET containers.
Esterform has become the first UK packaging company to achieve the newly introduced BRC/IOP Technical Standard for its PET containers.
The Institute of Packaging (IOP) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) joined together to develop the new standard for food packaging, Technical Standard and Protocol for Companies Manufacturing and Supplying Food Packaging Materials for Retailer Branded Products.
Evaluation is by third party certification bodies, accredited to European standard EN45011. To achieve the standard, a packaging supplier must have a formal Hazard Analysis System in place, document all its Technical Management System and implement controlled factory standards.
Twelve months ago, a number of Esterform's key accounts, all supplying the retail multiples, urged them to achieve the standard. In response the company addressed its manufacturing processes to create an action plan that could achieve the goal.
Some years ago, the company's Tenbury, UK facility was one of the first PET converting operations to attain ISO 9001. The company says that further achievements have been brought about because of its continuous improvement approach to achieving an effective quality management culture.
This culture, the company says, has supported Esterform's drive to attain its latest standard. As a result, it claims it can now offer reassurance to their direct customers as regards the hygiene and safety of the packaging that will ultimately reach the consumer.
