Mercian Labels has announced that both of its manufacturing facilities have achieved an “A” grade BRC (British Retail Consortium) Accreditation for hygiene. With this standard, and combined with ISO 9001, Mercian labels can demonstrate that it is compliant with both the latest food safety management systems, as well as exhibiting best manufacturing and quality management practices. As such, the firm is able to offer clients and potential customers all the necessary reassurances in respect of both its modern digital and flexo label printing capabilities.

“With the recent addition of business from large multiples in the food, drink and retail sectors, it was essential that we could advertise our proficiencies in producing high volume, high quality products in a hygienic, safe and properly controlled environment,” says Hugo Gell, sales director. “This is a significant step in our development. We will now service the requirements of major retail sectors, especially in food, drink, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, by providing labels that are fully BRC compliant and accredited, as well as exceeding ISO quality standards.”

“2014 saw a six-figure investment in a further new state-of-the-art high speed 8-color flexo press at our Derby site,” explains Adrian Steele, MD of Mercian Labels. “2015 saw a similar sized investment at the new Burntwood factory, being the world’s first installation of a Xeikon Cheetah, the super-fast digital label printing technology that also uses FDA approved food safe toners; so we are an obvious choice for respected brands.

“Having been successfully supplying labels to businesses for over 45 years, we like to stay ahead of the game,” adds Steele. “We have recognized and responded to increasing concern for consumer safety and protection and the need to ensure that at all points in the supply chain, those involved in packaging production are working to rigorous standards.”

The BRC Global Standard for Packaging & Packaging Materials certification deals with quality, safety and legality, and it has been recognized and adopted by retailers, manufacturers and packaging businesses worldwide. The standard sets out HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) good manufacturing practices, hygiene, safety and quality requirements for packaging manufacturers supplying the food and consumer products industries. It also helps retailers and food manufacturers meet their legal obligations.

Mercian Labels operates over two sites in Burntwood, Staffordshire and Derby, Derbyshire, producing millions of high quality self-adhesive labels every month for over 9,000 customers in the UK and beyond.