Interfilm Holdings, a US distributor of thin-gauge plastic films, recently received its first audit from the American Institute of Baking (AIB) at the company’s headquarters in Greenville, SC. The company scored 900 points, out of a possible 1,000, placing it in the superior category.

The AIB audit evaluates the entire production process, from receipt of raw materials through shipment of finished goods. Operational methods, food safety maintenance systems, cleaning, pest management, and food safety program adequacy comprise the specific assessment categories.

“Our packaging market includes many customers in baking and food processing,” says Cindy Simpler, senior vice president of operations for Interfilm. “Achieving a superior rating from the American Institute of Baking validates our commitment to quality and food safety, which are understandably critical concerns for our customers.”

The AIB audit program includes (1) a systematic evaluation to determine if programs and related activities achieve planned expectations, (2) the review or challenging of written programs, documentation of activities, corrective actions/trends, (3) an aid to determining the correlations between documented procedures and activities and actual execution, and (4) a potential assistance in identifying root cause, which can lead to long term corrective action.

Interfilm’s goal is to have all of its converting facilities audited by the AIB in the next 12 to 18 months. Next up is the company’s facility in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, where an audit is scheduled for mid-August 2010.

Interfilm’s products include polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, cellophane, brushed films, compostable films and metal adhesion films. The company markets encompass labels and graphic arts, flexible packaging, folding carton, envelopes, flexible plastic air ducts and industrial films.