ISO Certifications for Packaging Services, Requirements and Benefits

ISO Certifications for Packaging Services

Introduction

ISO certifications are critical for packaging companies to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability across their operations. ISO 9001 helps packaging service providers implement a Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures consistent production quality, process control & customer satisfaction. 

ISO 14001 is important for managing the environmental impact of packaging materials and production processes, helping companies reduce waste and comply with environmental regulations. ISO 45001 ensures a safe working environment for employees involved in packaging production, reducing workplace accidents and ensuring compliance with safety standards. 

Additionally, ISO 22000 can be highly relevant for companies involved in food packaging, as it sets out guidelines for food safety management systems.

For help with ISO certification audits for your packaging business, contact [email protected].

Applicable ISO standards:

Below is an overview of relevant ISO certifications and their applicability to packaging services:

1. ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems

ISO 9001 focuses on meeting customer expectations and delivering customer satisfaction. It emphasizes continuous improvement and the effective application of a quality management system (QMS).

2. ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems

This standard is relevant for companies that are committed to managing their environmental impact. For packaging services, this involves minimizing waste and improving resource efficiency.

3. ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

Given the physical nature of packaging services, this standard is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment. It helps companies to systematically improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks, and create safer working conditions.

4. ISO 15378: Primary Packaging Materials for Medicinal Products

Specifically designed for suppliers of primary packaging materials for medicinal products, this standard integrates the principles of ISO 9001 and adds specific requirements for the pharmaceutical sector.

5. ISO 22000: Food Safety Management

For packaging companies involved in the food and beverage sector, ISO 22000 focuses on food safety management. It covers all organizations in the food chain, including those that package food products. 

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Requirements & Benefits of ISO Certifications for Packaging Services

Below are the key ISO standards applicable and their requirements:

ISO 9001: Quality Management System (QMS)

Requirements:

  • Implement a Quality Management System to ensure consistent product quality and operational efficiency across packaging processes.
  • Set clear quality objectives related to material selection, packaging design, and customer satisfaction.
  • Establish procedures for monitoring and controlling production quality, including regular inspections and testing.
  • Conduct internal audits to assess compliance with QMS standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Develop corrective action plans to address defects or nonconformities in packaging products or processes.

ISO 14001: Environmental Management System (EMS)

Requirements:

  • Establish an Environmental Management System to monitor and reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials and production processes.
  • Identify and control environmental aspects such as waste generation, energy use, and emissions during packaging production.
  • Set environmental goals, such as reducing waste or adopting recyclable packaging materials.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
  • Regularly audit environmental performance and continuously improve sustainability practices.

ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS)

Requirements:

  • Implement an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management system to ensure a safe working environment for employees in packaging production.
  • Identify workplace hazards, including risks associated with machinery, chemicals, or manual handling in packaging processes.
  • Develop and enforce safety procedures, such as equipment handling protocols and emergency response plans.
  • Provide regular safety training for employees and contractors.
  • Conduct audits to monitor safety performance and ensure compliance with OHS regulations.

ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System (FSMS)(for food packaging companies)

Requirements:

  • Implement a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to ensure that packaging materials used for food products meet hygiene and safety standards.
  • Perform hazard analysis and risk assessments to identify potential contamination risks.
  • Develop control measures, including sanitation and packaging material quality checks.
  • Ensure traceability of materials used in food packaging to maintain product safety.
  • Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and continuously improve packaging safety.

Benefits of ISO Certifications for Packaging Services

  • ISO 9001 ensures that packaging companies deliver consistently high-quality products by standardizing processes.
  • ISO 14001 helps packaging companies reduce their environmental footprint, through waste reduction, energy-efficient processes, and the use of sustainable materials.
  • ISO 45001 ensures that companies prioritize employee health and safety, reducing accidents and promoting a safe working environment in packaging production facilities.
  • ISO 22000 is essential for food packaging companies, ensuring that their packaging materials maintain food safety and hygiene standards.
  • ISO certifications demonstrate a company’s commitment to quality and sustainability, enhancing its reputation and credibility.
  • Certified systems promote operational efficiency through standardized procedures and continuous improvement.

For more information or assistance with ISO certification audits for your packaging services, contact [email protected].

Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, in case you need support with ISO certification for your Packaging business, please contact us at [email protected] or +91-8595603096.

Ready to get ISO certified?

Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!

Suggested Certifications –

  1. ISO 9001:2015
  2. ISO 14001:2015
  3. ISO 45001:2018
  4. ISO 22000:2018
  5. ISO 27001:2022
  6. ISO 13485:2016
  7. ISO 50001:2018

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Frequently Asked Questions

​Which ISO standards suit packaging services companies?

ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (OH&S), ISO/IEC 27001 (data), plus sector picks like ISO 15378 (pharma packaging) and ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 for food-contact packaging.

​Is ISO certification mandatory for packaging firms?

No. It’s optional unless a client, law, or contract asks for it.

​What’s the basic path to get certified?

Define scope, run a gap review, implement and document processes, train staff, do an internal audit and management review, then complete Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.

​How long does certification usually take?

A few months for many small to mid-size operations, depending on sites and readiness.

​What evidence do auditors usually check in packaging services?

Process controls, material traceability, inspection/test records, calibration, hygiene/contamination controls (for food/pharma), training logs, complaints and corrective actions.

​Do we need ISO 14001 if we don’t manufacture packaging?

It still helps service providers manage waste, chemicals, energy use, and legal obligations tied to client sites.

​How do we maintain certification after we pass?

Keep records live, audit internally, review results, fix issues quickly, and pass annual surveillance audits during the three-year cycle.

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Management system certification body for ISO certifications like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001 etc and product certifications like CE Mark, HACCP, GMP etc