The GMP guide will cover all key points that require specific attention throughout the entire production process; from raw material intake, through design for compliance and manufacturing, to storage and delivery, and includes a specific chapter on printing inks. The guide is complementary to the existing quality, hygiene and food safety measures already in place in many companies which specialise in food packaging, such as ISO standards and BRC certification. It will offer formalised company risk assessment procedures that provide an excellent tool to demonstrate the safety of food cartons.

Chairman of the ECMA Committee which developed the guide, Arend-Jan Luten commented, “It (the guide) tells a positive story on some important issues facing our industry and illustrates our continued drive toward developing sustainable practices and high professionalism in food packaging”.

Food safety has always been a top priority for the members of ECMA. Over the past few years, the association has proactively sought innovations to enhance further consumer health and safety, with recommendations on the introduction of more advanced ink systems and an appropriate risk screening of design solutions for food packaging.

Further details of the guide and its launch will be reported in the Pro Carton e-news bulletin in September.