The European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) has released an updated version of its Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), including folding carton specifics that are not covered by the GFSI certifications.
GMP 2.0 is intended for companies who manufacture folding cartons that are intended to come into contact with food. GMP 2.0 underpins the core focus that the European folding carton sector has on consumer health and safety. Specifically, GMP 2.0 complements existing Global Food Safety Initiatives (GFSI), such as BRCGS and FSSC 22000, and includes folding carton specifics that are not covered by the GFSI certifications.
ECMA released GMP 1.0 in 2011, following which it was widely introduced into the folding carton sector.
ECMA managing director Mike Turner said, ‘Safe packaging is essential to meet the requirements and expectations set by brand owners, retailers, legislators and consumers. The new GMP 2.0 is an information and management tool that can be adopted by converters and audited through proper implementation. It focuses on the design, development and specification stages in the manufacturing process of folding carton products.’
ECMA is an international network for folding carton converters, national folding carton associations and suppliers to the folding carton industry. ECMA represents around 500 folding carton producers in nearly all countries in the European Economic Area, accounting for around 80% of the total folding carton market in Europe with a current workforce of about 50,000 people.
ECMA members include converters such as Alexir Packaging, Edelmann, Kartonsan and Multi Packaging Solution, as well as suppliers from Bobst, EFI Radius and HP, to Koenig & Bauer, Komori and Kurz.
