Packaging is no longer just about protecting products — it’s a critical part of business responsibility, customer trust, and regulatory compliance. As global standards tighten and buyers demand greater transparency, organizations across industries are under pressure to deliver safe, sustainable, and legally compliant packaging. Recognizing these growing demands, the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard has been updated from Issue 6 to Issue 7, introducing important changes that better reflect today’s operational and market realities.

The latest updates focus on strengthening risk assessment, improving hygiene practices, promoting sustainability in packaging materials, and reinforcing supplier control. They also place greater emphasis on building a strong product safety and quality culture within organizations. In this guide, we break down what’s new in BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7, why these changes matter, and how businesses can prepare to meet the updated requirements with confidence.

.

WHAT IS BRCGS PACKAGING MATERIALS STANDARD?

The BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard is a globally recognized framework that sets out specific requirements for the production of safe, legal, and high-quality packaging across industries. As part of the broader BRC packaging standards, it helps organizations demonstrate compliance with hygiene, material quality, risk assessment, supplier management, and regulatory obligations throughout the packaging supply chain.

BRC Packaging and Packaging Materials Certification applies to a wide range of businesses — from manufacturers of primary packaging that directly contacts products, such as food wrappers and pharmaceutical containers, to producers of secondary and tertiary packaging like paper, plastic, glass, and metal-based materials. Certification to the BRCGS packaging materials requirements signals that a company’s systems meet internationally accepted benchmarks for product integrity, consumer protection, and risk management.

Aligned with GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) requirements, the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard supports businesses of all sizes in building operational resilience, meeting customer demands, and gaining a competitive advantage in global supply chains. It also lays the foundation for adopting sustainable packaging practices, ensuring organizations can meet growing expectations around environmental responsibility without compromising on quality or safety.

.

WHAT’S NEW IN BRCGS PACKAGING MATERIALS ISSUE 7?

The transition from BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 6 to Issue 7 brings several important updates that reflect the latest industry practices, emerging risks, and evolving consumer expectations. These changes are designed to strengthen risk management, improve product safety culture, and support sustainability initiatives across the packaging sector the key updates introduced in BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 are:

• Expanded Scope to New Packaging Categories: BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 expands the certification scope to cover organizations involved in digital printed packaging, compostable and biodegradable materials, and other emerging packaging technologies. This change reflects the rapid innovation seen in the packaging industry and ensures that companies dealing with new material types — including plant-based plastics and sustainable paper composites — are held to the same safety, hygiene, and quality standards as traditional packaging manufacturers. By widening the scope, BRCGS helps businesses future-proof their certifications and assures retailers and consumers that even the newest packaging technologies meet strict compliance requirements.
• Strengthened Risk-Based Thinking: Issue 7 places a stronger emphasis on the proactive identification, evaluation, and control of risks across the entire packaging production process. Organizations must conduct comprehensive risk assessments not just for material handling and manufacturing, but also for environmental factors, supply chain vulnerabilities, and hygiene practices. Companies are expected to demonstrate a dynamic, evidence-based risk management approach that is regularly updated as processes change, ensuring that emerging risks are not overlooked. This shift moves packaging operations towards a more predictive, resilient compliance framework rather than a purely reactive one.
• Enhanced Hygiene and Environmental Monitoring: Recognizing the critical role of a controlled production environment in maintaining product integrity, Issue 7 introduces robust environmental monitoring requirements. Companies must now implement structured microbiological testing programs and monitor key environmental parameters that could impact packaging safety — such as air quality, surface cleanliness, and employee hygiene practices. New expectations also encourage businesses to develop response protocols when environmental indicators deviate from acceptable limits, ensuring rapid corrective action to protect both consumers and brand reputation.
• Introduction of Product Safety and Quality Culture: For the first time, BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 formally requires organizations to demonstrate the presence of a strong product safety and quality culture. This includes embedding safety values into leadership behaviours, employee training, communication practices, and organizational objectives. Companies must show evidence of active employee engagement in quality programs, management commitment to safety initiatives, and continuous reinforcement of good practices. Building a safety culture is no longer optional — it is recognized as a key driver of consistent packaging compliance and long-term organizational success.
• Supplier Approval and Monitoring Tightened: Supplier approval processes have been reinforced under Issue 7, requiring packaging manufacturers to implement a more systematic, risk-based approach to supplier evaluation and monitoring. Businesses must conduct initial and ongoing assessments of supplier performance, focusing on material safety, hygiene practices, ethical sourcing, and regulatory compliance. Documentation of supplier qualifications, audits, and risk mitigation activities is now mandatory, reducing the chances of non-conforming raw materials entering the production process and strengthening supply chain transparency.
• Revised Audit and Non-Conformance Handling: Audit procedures under Issue 7 have been sharpened to ensure greater accountability and traceability. Organizations must now respond to non-conformances with clear root cause analyses, corrective action plans, and verifiable evidence of closure. Auditors are expected to place more weight on practical implementation rather than documentation alone, driving deeper operational improvements. These changes raise the bar for internal audit readiness and encourage businesses to treat audits as ongoing quality enhancement opportunities rather than one-time compliance checks.
• Greater Alignment with ESG Principles: In response to increasing global focus on sustainability and ethical governance, Issue 7 integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations more explicitly into packaging compliance requirements. Companies must demonstrate responsible sourcing practices, waste reduction initiatives, and support for broader environmental goals within their packaging operations. Aligning BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification with ESG principles not only strengthens organizational reputation but also helps businesses meet growing regulatory and customer expectations for ethical and sustainable business conduct.

.

WHAT’S NEW IN UPDATED BRCGS PACKAGING STANDARDS: ISSUE 6 TO ISSUE 7?

Preparing for BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7? Learn what’s changed, what it means for your operations, and how to upgrade your systems for seamless certification.

.

IMPLEMENTING BRCGS PACKAGING MATERIALS ISSUE 7 :

Transitioning to BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 requires a disciplined, structured approach to ensure full compliance. Organizations must move beyond surface-level updates and embed new requirements across operational processes, supplier relationships, environmental controls, and corporate culture. A successful transition demands early planning, strong leadership, and employee involvement at every stage. A step-by-step method for effective implementation:

• Gap Analysis: Start with a structured gap analysis to benchmark your current compliance systems against the new BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 requirements. Examine hygiene zoning practices, microbiological testing protocols, supplier management, risk assessment models, and sustainability initiatives. Document all findings with evidence. A gap analysis report should clearly highlight non-compliance areas and recommend specific actions. Early identification of weak points will make BRCGS Packaging Internal Audits and external audits more predictable and successful.
• Risk Assessment: Revise and strengthen your existing risk assessment procedures in line with Issue 7 expectations. Companies must extend hazard analysis to cover hygiene threats, raw material vulnerabilities, environmental contamination risks, and supplier-linked hazards. Risk assessments should be dynamic, reviewed regularly, and used as a foundation for preventive action planning. BRCGS Packaging Certification now demands a more proactive approach to risk management, making real-time monitoring, data analysis, and preventive actions crucial.
• Supplier Management: Modernize your supplier approval and monitoring systems to align with Issue 7. Beyond initial qualification, businesses must carry out regular supplier audits, maintain detailed supplier risk profiles, and document corrective actions when issues are detected. Material traceability, ethical sourcing practices, and sustainability compliance must also be verified. Upgrading supplier management systems ensures consistency in material quality, reduces operational risks, and fulfils the critical requirements for BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification.
• Safety Culture: Issue 7 places formal requirements on building a safety and quality-driven culture. Leadership must visibly promote safety values, provide resources for compliance programs, and ensure that employees are engaged in day-to-day product safety responsibilities. Organizations should establish structured communication channels, performance incentives, and periodic evaluations focused on product safety behaviours. A strong internal culture supports not only BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification but also reduces compliance risks over time.
• Hygiene and Environment: Environmental monitoring and hygiene zoning are no longer optional. Organizations must design site zoning maps based on contamination risk levels and install microbiological sampling protocols for critical areas like air quality, surfaces, and water systems. Hygiene standards should be documented, monitored, and reviewed during daily operations. A failure to control environmental contamination can now result in major non-conformities during BRCGS Packaging Internal Audits and certification assessments.
• Awareness Training: BRCGS Packaging Awareness Training is now a core part of compliance. Companies must design comprehensive training programs covering Issue 7 updates, hygiene zoning practices, risk management techniques, environmental monitoring protocols, and ethical sourcing policies. Different employee groups (production staff, supervisors, quality teams) should receive role-specific BRCGS Packaging Training sessions. Well-trained employees are more likely to maintain compliance daily, reducing the risk of non-conformance during audits.
• Documentation Updates: Revise all operational documents to align with Issue 7. This includes updating quality manuals, SOPs for hygiene and environmental monitoring, supplier evaluation forms, training records, and internal audit checklists. Each document should clearly reflect new compliance expectations. Documentation must be accessible, version-controlled, and reviewed periodically. Proper documentation management is essential for successful BRCGS Packaging Internal Audits and maintaining audit trails for external assessments.
• Internal Audit: Before applying for certification or re-certification, organizations must conduct a complete BRCGS Packaging Internal Audit based on Issue 7 clauses. This internal audit should cover hygiene zoning, supplier management, environmental monitoring, employee awareness, and risk assessment systems. Findings should be recorded formally, corrective actions tracked, and closures verified. A strong internal audit process ensures readiness for third-party audits and minimizes the risk of unexpected non-conformances.

Need support with training, documentation, or BRCGS internal audits? See how expert guidance can make your transition to Issue 7 smooth and audit-ready. Contact us for a tailored consultation.

.

KEY BENEFITS OF TRANSITIONING TO BRCGS PACKAGING MATERIALS ISSUE 7:

Transitioning to BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 is critical not only for maintaining certification but for strengthening operational standards across hygiene, supplier management, environmental monitoring, and audit preparation. Organizations adopting the updated standard position themselves for sustainable growth, reduced compliance risks, and improved global competitiveness. The key benefits include:

• Regulatory Compliance: Adopting Issue 7 ensures companies meet updated legal, industry, and customer requirements without operational gaps. New hygiene zoning, environmental monitoring, and expanded risk management practices are now mandatory for certification. Organizations that fail to update may face non-conformance issues during BRCGS Packaging Internal Audits or lose market approvals from major buyers. Early transition reduces risks related to regulatory changes and inspection failures.
• Coverage for Modern Materials: The updated scope under Issue 7 now includes digitally printed packaging, compostable packaging, and biodegradable materials. Companies adopting innovative packaging technologies remain fully certified, avoiding costly audit findings or the need for additional certifications. Without Issue 7 transition, manufacturers working with new materials could find themselves operating outside of recognized certification scopes, exposing them to business continuity risks.
• Strengthened Supplier Controls: Supplier evaluation is no longer a one-time activity but requires continuous monitoring and performance management under Issue 7. Businesses must assess supplier risks, maintain approval records, verify sourcing origins, and conduct periodic performance checks. This strengthens material traceability, reduces risks of using non-compliant inputs, and builds stronger supply chain transparency—key factors for maintaining BRCGS Packaging Materials Certification during both internal and external audits.
• Environmental Monitoring: Issue 7 mandates structured environmental sampling programs, microbiological testing, and hygiene zoning that were previously recommended but not compulsory. Organizations must implement clear sampling plans for high-risk zones, surface cleanliness monitoring, and trend analysis of results. These systems prevent microbiological hazards from affecting packaging materials and build resilience against regulatory inspections or food safety incidents linked to packaging contamination.
• Product Safety and Quality Culture: Organizations are now required to create measurable product safety and quality culture programs that actively involve leadership and employees. This involves regular awareness communication, training, safety reporting mechanisms, and visible management support for compliance initiatives. A strong internal culture not only helps close non-conformities faster during audits but also reduces day-to-day operational failures caused by employee disengagement or misunderstanding of hygiene responsibilities.
• Risk Management: Risk-based thinking must now be embedded across all operational areas, from raw material acceptance to process control and hygiene management. Organizations must maintain live risk registers updated based on new materials, new suppliers, and environmental shifts. Businesses applying robust risk management under Issue 7 are better positioned to prevent compliance breakdowns, manage emerging threats, and demonstrate proactive control during BRCGS Packaging Internal Audits and external third-party audits.
• Customer and Retailer Acceptance: Transitioning to Issue 7 allows companies to align with increasing customer expectations around hygiene, safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Buyers are increasingly demanding proof of packaging supplier compliance with recognized standards. Certification under the latest Issue 7 version provides clear evidence of due diligence, reducing the need for repetitive buyer audits and helping companies secure long-term supply agreements with leading brands and retailers.

Planning your BRCGS system update? Follow a structured, clause-aligned approach to meet certification requirements under BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7. See how BRCGS works in detail: What is BRCGS & How It Empowers Your Business.

.

The transition from BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 6 to Issue 7 reflects the industry’s evolving focus on hygiene, risk management, environmental monitoring, and supplier control. Organizations must adopt the updated requirements to maintain certification, protect operational integrity, and meet rising customer and regulatory expectations. Early implementation of Issue 7 ensures that businesses strengthen their internal systems, improve audit readiness, and remain competitive in a changing global market. Companies that approach the transition systematically — through gap analysis, training, supplier evaluations, and internal audits — will position themselves for long-term compliance and supply chain trust.

.

HOW 4C CONSULTING CAN HELP YOUR ORGANIZATION IMPLEMENT BRCGS PACKAGING MATERIALS ISSUE 7?

Transitioning to BRCGS PACKAGING MATERIALS ISSUE 7 requires organizations to adapt to updated compliance frameworks, enhanced risk assessments and stricter audit requirements. 4C Consulting simplifies this process by providing expert guidance. With 15+ years of experience, 30,000+ man-days of consulting and 15,000+ hours of training, we have successfully helped organizations navigate BRCGS Certification compliance. Our certified auditors and industry specialists ensure seamless integration of BRCGS compliance, risk monitoring and internal audit best practices. Backed by partnerships with 50+ certification bodies and a global client base of 12,000+ satisfied businesses, 4C Consulting is your trusted partner in achieving and maintaining BRCGS certification.

Need help adapting to BRCGS ISSUE 7? CONTACT US and get tailored consulting, internal audit support, and BRCGS alignment from our ISO-certified experts.

.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

.

WHAT IS BRC ISSUE 7?

BRC Issue 7 refers to the seventh edition of the BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard. It introduces updated requirements for hygiene, risk management, sustainability, and supplier control. Organizations must comply with Issue 7 to maintain valid certification.

WHAT ISSUE NUMBER IS THE BRCGS STANDARD?

The current BRCGS Packaging Materials Standard is Issue 7. It replaces the previous Issue 6 and covers updated compliance expectations for packaging manufacturers. Certification audits are now based on Issue 7 clauses.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT VERSION OF BRCGS?

For packaging materials, the current version is BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7. For other BRCGS schemes like Food Safety, the current versions vary separately. Always verify the specific standard version applicable to your operation.

WHAT DOES BRCGS STAND FOR?

BRCGS stands for British Retail Consortium Global Standards. It provides internationally recognized certification frameworks for food safety, packaging, consumer products, and other supply chain sectors.

WHAT IS THE LATEST VERSION OF THE BRC PACKAGING STANDARD?

The latest version of the BRC packaging standard is BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7. It became applicable for certification audits following its official publication and transition timeline. It includes expanded scope and updated operational requirements.

WHAT IS THE FULL FORM OF BRC PACKAGING?

BRC packaging refers to standards developed by the British Retail Consortium for packaging safety. It ensures packaging materials are produced under hygienic, compliant, and quality-controlled conditions for global supply chains.

WHAT ARE PACKAGING STANDARDS?

Packaging standards define the requirements for designing, producing, and verifying packaging materials. They cover hygiene, safety, material quality, regulatory compliance, and operational practices to ensure product protection and legal conformity.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED TO MAKE PACKAGING?

Common packaging materials include paper, plastic, glass, metal, and biodegradable polymers. The selection depends on product type, safety requirements, sustainability goals, and regulatory standards.

WHAT ARE TYPES OF PACKAGING MATERIALS?

Types of packaging materials include rigid packaging (glass, metal), flexible packaging (films, foils), paper-based packaging, biodegradable packaging, and composite materials. Each serves different protective and functional roles.