International Paper Takes Extra Step to Safeguard Products

The IFS PACsecure Standard, a collaboration between IFS Management and The Packaging Consortium (PAC), was developed with input from more than 130 food processors and packaging material converters to identify potential hazards associated with common packaging manufacturing processes. In addition to being GFSI certified, PACsecure has been accepted by the U.S.-based Food Safety Alliance for Packaging (FSAP), which includes many companies seen as leaders in the food packaging industry.

 

The GFSI certification addresses the requirements to assure food safety by applying the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles specific to food packaging. To earn the GFSI certification, International Paper container plants are being audited by an independent third-party team to certify materials and processes used in manufacturing corrugated packaging products that are safe for the food industry.

 

The global sourcing of materials and marketing of corrugated packaging products has increased customer demand for evidence of product safety. “All materials that are part of the food supply chain, including food packaging and contact materials, can significantly influence food safety,” said Ed Hughes, IP’s manager, product safety and compliance. “With food safety regulations becoming more and more rigorous, customers and consumers can have the peace of mind that one more portion in the supply chain has taken extra steps to safeguard the product.”

 

Stephan Tromp, IFS Managing Director said“International Paper’s selection of IFS PACsecure shows that the standard delivers the program necessary for the world’s packaging manufacturers to achieve their goals and meet the needs of their customers,” said Stephan Tromp, Managing Director of IFS. “At IFS we are pleased that we deliver standards that help industry achieve their goals and deliver safe, quality products.”

 

About International Paper:
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include industrial and consumer packaging along with uncoated papers and pulp. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs approximately 58,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries serving customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2014 were $24 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.

 

About IFS:
International Featured Standards (IFS) is an umbrella brand for globally recognized standards in Food, Logistics, Cash & Carry/Wholesale, Broker, Packaging Materials (IFS PACsecure) and Household and Personal Care (HPC). IFS provides global uniform quality assurance and food safety standards benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). IFS is one of the world’s premier standards organizations in the food and non-food supply chain with more than 16,000 audits conducted globally in 2014. More information about IFS can be found at ifs-certification.com.