by Ed Hughes, International Paper

This article submitted by Ed Hughes, Testing Labs and Product Safety and Compliance Manager, of International Paper. International Paper implements IFS PACsecure as their GFSI standard of choice.

Making the leap in the packaging industry from standard GMP audits to a GFSI recognized certification can be a resource intensive endeavor. Most experts will tell you it takes six months to a year to prepare for the initial audit. Multiply that in a company environment by 5, 10 or 20 locations and the amount of resources required becomes unfathomable.

In many packaging industry segments multiple locations have similar if not identical processes, machinery, raw materials, etc. When these similarities exist resource requirements can be greatly reduced through a standardized approach to food safety processes and audit programs. Economies of scale can be realized by centrally defining food safety processes that are applicable across many locations and providing models for processes or documentation that require limited local modification.

It’s paramount to first choose a GFSI recognized audit standard that aligns well with your organization, manufacturing processes, and customer base. The ability to focus on a single audit standard for multiple locations provides numerous benefits:
• Single point alignment with supporting company departments
• Consolidation of information
• Consistency across multiple locations
• Seamless succession / transition of personnel

Standardizing common food safety processes also provides numerous benefits. When documentation is controlled above the facility level, local personnel have the opportunity to focus on execution. HACCP models can be developed that address all common risks to food safety, allowing increased focus on site specific issues. Accelerated buy-in at the local level occurs from the leadership, assistance and resources that are provided. Most importantly, the amount of resources required to prepare for the initial audit are greatly reduced.

Customers also benefit from a standardized approach, as they can be assured of consistent products from all locations.

A standardized approach can also increase the effectiveness of the audit process. With multiple sites being audited there is an opportunity to form a small pool of auditors that come to understand your standard processes very well. At this point in time, the auditors have the chance to focus on your execution. That is the point at which the audits are truly beneficial and provide exceptional value from a continuous improvement perspective.

This strategy will not benefit every organization, but when multiple facilities have similar processes the strategy will allow faster deployment on a larger scale.

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