Paranova achieves top BRCGS audit results

Paranova Print and Packaging has reported strong results across its latest BRCGS Packaging Materials audits, with eight production sites achieving either AA+ or AA grades.

Five facilities received AA+ ratings following unannounced assessments, while another three achieved AA during announced audits. The results underline the company’s focus on maintaining consistent standards for product safety, quality and operational compliance across its manufacturing network.

Five sites secure AA+ following unannounced audits

The Amberley Boston, Spalding, Boston, Wisbech and St Neots Cromwell Road operations each achieved an AA+ grade.

These locations were assessed through unannounced audits, where facilities do not know the precise date on which auditors will arrive. This approach is designed to provide a clearer indication of how consistently established standards are maintained during normal production conditions.

Three additional plants receive AA ratings

Amberley Blandford, Cramlington and the St Neots Howard Road facility received AA grades through announced assessments.

AA represents the highest classification available through the announced BRCGS audit route, meaning all eight sites included in the latest assessments achieved the highest applicable grade for their respective audit format.

BRCGS focuses on packaging safety and quality

The BRCGS Packaging Materials standard provides a framework for manufacturers producing packaging used across food, consumer goods and other regulated markets.

Audits assess areas including quality management systems, product safety, site standards, process control, traceability, hygiene, risk management and corrective-action procedures.

Certification supports packaging customers

For brand owners and food manufacturers, third-party certification can provide additional assurance that packaging suppliers operate according to recognised quality and safety systems.

This is particularly important where packaging comes into direct contact with food or other sensitive products and where consistent manufacturing conditions, contamination controls and traceability are required throughout the supply chain.

Unannounced audits raise the compliance threshold

Unannounced assessments can place additional demands on manufacturers because production sites must remain audit-ready throughout normal operations rather than preparing around a scheduled inspection date.

Achieving AA+ across multiple sites therefore provides an indication that procedures and controls are being maintained continuously rather than only during planned certification periods.

Consistency matters across multi-site operations

For packaging groups operating several facilities, maintaining comparable standards between plants can become increasingly complex as equipment, production processes, materials and customer requirements vary between locations.

Common management systems, training procedures and quality controls can help ensure customers receive consistent packaging performance regardless of which facility manufactures the product.

Paranova highlights quality and compliance

Paranova said the latest results reflect the strength of its processes and teams as well as its continued focus on safety, quality and compliance across its packaging operations.

The eight top-level audit results reinforce the growing importance of independently verified production standards as customers place greater scrutiny on packaging safety, traceability and supply-chain reliability.