The BRC IOP Standard provides precise indications primarily for the producers of packaging materials, but also for similar products in contact with food, such as disposable cutlery, aluminum foil, and plastic drinking cups.

Food packaging producers are fully involved in the food chain, and can deeply influence food safety. A specific technical perspective is provided by these standards, enabling the producers to take responsibility by putting in place a widely recognised food safety management system. The standards address part of the "due diligence" requirements of the packaging manufacturer, packer/filler, and retailer.

What is the BRC IOP standard?
All materials that come in contact with food, especially the food packaging, can influence food safety; both by failing to protect the food properly and through contamination. The BRC IOP standard developed by the British Retailers and the GMP FEFCO standard developed by the European cardboard producers address the requirements to guarantee food safety by applying the HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) principles specific to this sector of the food industry.

The BRC IOP Standard requires:

• The adoption of a formal Hazard Analysis System.
  
  
• A documented Management System.
  
  
• The control of factory standards, products, processes, and personnel.

Why is a BRC IOP certification good for my business?
Food safety chain and the connected due diligence chain are based on the appropriate contribution of all the market players – your achievement as a reliable supplier is also linked to your capability to provide safe products.

The standards provide several benefits:

• Single verification commissioned by the manufacturer, in line with an agreed evaluation frequency, will allow manufacturers to report upon their status to food retailers and other organisations.
  
  
• Comprehensive standards cover areas of hygiene and product safety throughout the packaging industry.
  
  
• Packaging manufacturers may use these standards to ensure their suppliers are following good hygiene practices and complete the "due diligence" chain.
  
  
• Ongoing surveillance and the confirmation of the follow up of corrective actions ensure that a self-improving quality, hygiene, and product safety system is established.

Where do I go from here?
Your first step is to get on the road to certification.