Flowe-Pac has secured the globally recognised FSSC 22000 certification, solidifying its status as a leader in food-safe flexible packaging. For managing director Anthony McCleary, this achievement is not just a milestone – it’s a declaration of the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

‘This certification underscores our dedication to delivering the safest, highest quality packaging solutions. It positions Flowe-Pac at the forefront of the industry and reinforces the trust our customers place in us,’ he asserts.

FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognised food safety management system that sets stringent criteria for quality assurance in packaging production. To achieve this certification, Flowe-Pac undertook an extensive transformation – revamping operations, refining internal processes and embedding a culture of food safety at every level of the organisation.

Anthony emphasises the significance of this achievement: ‘In today’s market, food safety is non-negotiable. With FSSC 22000, customers can be confident that our packaging solutions adhere to the highest global standards.’

Flowe-Pac’s journey to certification involved targeted enhancements across its operations. The company bolstered its food safety management system (FSMS), intensified internal audits, upgraded manufacturing facilities and implemented comprehensive employee training programmes. Additionally, it introduced advanced traceability and recall systems to ensure rapid response in the rare event of a safety concern. ‘These measures go beyond compliance; they represent a fundamental shift in our approach to food safety,’ Anthony explains.

In an industry where differentiation is key, FSSC 22000 certification provides Flowe-Pac with a strategic advantage. ‘This certification isn’t just a badge of honour – it’s a business differentiator,’ notes operations manager Daniel Balliram. ‘It enhances our credibility, strengthens customer trust and elevates our standing in the global marketplace.’

For food producers and distributors, working with a certified packaging supplier streamlines compliance and mitigates risk. ‘Customers can be assured that our materials meet the highest safety benchmarks, reducing their exposure to potential food safety incidents. Furthermore, certification simplifies supplier qualification processes, saving time and resources,’ he adds.

While achieving FSSC 22000 was a significant milestone, Anthony stresses that it’s just the beginning. ‘Certification isn’t a one-time achievement – it’s an ongoing responsibility. We’ve embedded continuous improvement mechanisms into our operations, ensuring we don’t just maintain compliance but consistently enhance our food safety management systems.’

Flowe-Pac’s commitment to excellence is evident in its investment in state-of-the-art process controls, regular internal and external audits and comprehensive employee training. ‘Food safety starts with people. By keeping our team informed, engaged and motivated, we ensure that it remains a top priority every day,’ Daniel states.

Looking ahead, Flowe-Pac plans to push the boundaries of food safety and packaging innovation. ‘This certification is a stepping stone. We’ll continue refining our processes, adopting emerging best practices and leveraging the latest technology to stay ahead of the curve. Our customers deserve nothing less than the best and we’re committed to delivering on that promise,’ Anthony concludes.