BPIF Labels publish Good Manufacturing Guide

In January of this year BPIF labels published the long awaited Good Manufacturing Guide for the printing of labels and related packaging for the food, drinks and sensitive product sectors.  At the June 2011 technical seminar, criticism was made by a leading brand owner at the lack of any policy, by the self adhesive label industry, concerning the migration of inks and chemicals into food packaging. Following on from this a working party comprising representatives from leading suppliers: Sun Chemicals, Zeller & Gmelin, Colorgen, HP, Domino plus Springfield Solutions and Chesapeake, was set up. This was headed up by John Bambery, Chairman of BPIF labels. They set about developing a policy for the self adhesive label industry. The team used the template that had been developed by the British Carton Association for the carton industry. Various meetings were held and discussions took place on the problems that lack of awareness could cause.

The guide seeks to highlight the areas where ink migration could cause problems and provides a check list for companies, engaged in the manufacture of products in these sectors, to follow.

With EU legislation directly applicable to all 27 member states national authorities do not need specific regulation. This guide therefore, seeks to inform companies of the need for a policy and to implement the correct procedures for packaging into these markets.  It will have particular relevance to those companies who are accredited with the HACCP and BRC marks. It also contains the relevant reference points concerning the appropriate EU legislation.

The guide, which has been produced for all companies within the industry is available free of charge. A pdf version can be downloaded directly from the BPIF labels website www.bpiflabels.org.uk 

This is the first in a series of guides that will be produced for the sector.  BPIF labels also wish to announce that it will be holding 2 golf day and technical seminars on 21st/ 22nd May at Breadsall Priory and 8th/9th October at The Forest of Arden. The first seminar will have a conventional printing theme with the second seminar having a digital printing theme. Details of all of the above can be obtained directly by contacting: Liz Whyte at Liz.Whyte@bpif.org.uk .