Companies understand the critical role packaging plays. It protects products, conveys brand identity, and influences customer decision-making. Because packaging is crucial to a business’s success, choosing the right packaging partner is important. But with so many packaging manufacturers available, narrowing down your options can be overwhelming. As you begin your search, you should look for companies with specific packaging certifications in key areas such as quality management and assurance, printing, and sustainability.
Quality Management and Assurance Certifications
ISO-9001
ISO-9001 is a base standard most certified packaging companies hold. This certification demonstrates a company meets specific quality management system (QMS) requirements concerning performance, customer expectations, and quality commitments. For packaging companies, this includes:
- Establishing and implementing staff training and clear processes to consistently execute high-quality packaging
- Identifying and eliminating inefficiencies and waste to streamline operations and save on costs
- Having clear guidelines to resolve potential customer conflicts in a timely and satisfactory manner
- Maintaining and continually refining their QMS to stay innovative and competitive
SQF
If you require packaging for a food or food service product, look for partners with SQF certification. The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program, recognized through the Global Food Safety Initiative, ensures certified packaging companies adhere to the highest food safety standards. This certification means organizations have a robust food safety control system that meets international standards across all manufacturing stages, including managing food risks through material selection, production processes, sanitation, and quality control measures. MOD-PAC is in the process of obtaining this certification.
Printing Certifications
GMI
Graphic Measures International (GMI) uses a globally recognized, scientific system to review printing quality on packaging. Companies with this certification meet GMI’s strict standards, ensuring top-notch printing quality. When earning GMI certification, companies have their printing processes and results monitored and reported on, down to the materials used, colors printed, and ink performance.
G7 Master Printer
G7 Master Printer certification is another requirement your future packaging partner should have if you need custom packaging. This certification means a packaging company’s facilities, equipment, and systems consistently deliver precise color output. These certified packaging professionals can replicate any color in your branding on any material for your entire order, no matter how many units you need.
Sustainable Packaging Certifications
Chain of Custody and Souring
As customers place more importance on sustainable practices and products, companies should seek partners with sustainable packaging certifications like chain of custody. Certified packaging professionals usually have Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) labels on their packaging. SFI® certification demonstrates a company uses sustainable sourcing practices for forest products, such as wood, paper, and forest fiber. Similarly, FSC® certification shows that certificate holders can trace sustainable materials back to responsibly managed forests and other sources.