UPM raflatac has announced that it is the first pressure sensitive label materials manufacturer to have its factories in the United States certified to the ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System standard. UPM Raflatac’s various management systems are certified and regularly audited by a third-party auditing company, confirming the company’s continuous effort to build a food safety culture into the DNA of its operations.

The factories in Mills River and Fletcher, North Carolina as well as Dixon, Illinois join the company’s five European factories and Changshu, China factory as certified to this standard, giving UPM Raflatac, the company says, the largest collection of production facilities in the labelstock industry with certified food safety management systems. Additionally, the company’s slitting and distribution terminals throughout the Americas are aligned to this standard.

Food compliance management starts from raw material selection and the design of the products, to further covering the facilities and production processes as well as deliveries and market documentation. In the US, the responsibility rests with the food packer or brand owner to evaluate its packaging materials, ensure that they comply with the relevant regulations of the US Food and Drug Administration and do not otherwise adulterate the food, and confirm that the materials are safe and technically suitable for their intended use.

UPM Raflatac’s food safety management team is available to work with converters and brand owners to discuss any relevant FDA regulations and take actions needed to adhere to the ISO 22000:2018 food safety standard. Product Safety and regulatory compliances, best in class hygiene practices such as rigorous pest controls, wearing protective clothing, and the prohibition of eating and drinking in the production area are just some of the many guidelines employees must follow as part of the standard. Internal audits to ensure day-to-day compliance are frequently conducted in between the third-party audits.

“As we have seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the safe handling of food packaging is of utmost concern for consumers. We are proud to have invested in equipping our factories and training our operators in this comprehensive ISO 22000:2018 food safety management standard. By being the first company in our industry to take this important step in the US, we are further demonstrating our commitment to labeling a smarter future,” says Seth Holling, Coordinator, Product Safety Development, Americas, UPM Raflatac.