For 25 years, the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard has supported manufacturers around the world in strengthening product safety, quality and consumer confidence.
Packaging plays a fundamental role in the global supply chain, protecting products from manufacture to the consumer. As the industry has changed, packaging manufacturers have faced new risks and challenges. BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard is applicable to all packaging materials used for food, feed, beverage and consumer products. Where packaging is required, both the materials used in its manufacture and the packaging itself can be certified to the Standard.
From emerging concerns such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and mineral oils, to allergens and the increasing use of recycled materials, manufacturers must navigate a complex and continually changing landscape while meeting increasingly high expectations for safety, quality and compliance.
Recognising these challenges, BRCGS undertook a comprehensive revision of the Packaging Materials Standard, resulting in Issue 7, published in October 2024, with audits commencing in April 2025.
A collaborative approach to evolving industry needs
The development of Issue 7 brought together global expertise to ensure the Standard reflected the realities of a rapidly changing packaging industry.
A technical working group of 35 experts from around the world contributed to the revision. The group included manufacturers, regulators, technical experts, certification and accreditation bodies, and trade organisations, bringing together a broad range of perspectives from across the packaging supply chain.
Over the course of seven six-hour virtual meetings, the group dedicated more than 1,470 hours to discussion and debate, carefully considering the risks and challenges facing packaging manufacturers and how the Standard could best support them.
The work focused on helping manufacturing sites identify potential hazards, conduct effective risk assessments, establish critical limits and strengthen their product safety culture.
Issue 7 strengthened fundamental requirements and introduced new or enhanced clauses addressing critical areas, including allergens and the specific challenges associated with single-use disposable products used in the food service sector.
A global benchmark for packaging safety
Since its launch, Packaging Materials Issue 7 has seen widespread adoption around the world.
Today, more than 7,100 manufacturing sites across 94 countries are certified to the Standard, including more than 500 sites that have chosen to implement it since Issue 7 was launched.
The impact of the Standard can also be seen through the findings from audits. More than 25,000 opportunities for improvements have been identified and corrected at audited sites since Issue 7 was introduced, demonstrating the role the Standard plays in helping manufacturers identify opportunities to strengthen their systems and processes.
In the first year of audits, only one critical non-conformity was raised, while the industry has also seen a reduction in packaging-related product recalls. In the second year of audits further critical non-conformities have been identified in areas of the Standard that includes HARA implementation and the use and effectiveness of internal audits.
The reach of Issue 7 extends beyond certification. BRCGS-approved training has been delivered to more than 6,000 delegates globally, while the Standard and its guidance documents have been downloaded more than 12,000 times.
Together, these figures demonstrate the continued value of a globally recognised framework for packaging safety and quality.
Supporting a safer, more trusted supply chain
Packaging Materials Issue 7 provides a consistent framework to help manufacturers meet stringent safety, legal and quality requirements worldwide.
For 25 years, BRCGS Packaging Materials has evolved with the industry, supporting manufacturers, customers and consumers while strengthening packaging safety across the global supply chain.
As we mark this milestone, we thank the manufacturers, auditors, technical experts, certification bodies, training providers and industry partners who continue to shape the Standard. Looking ahead, BRCGS remains committed to raising standards and responding to emerging challenges.