Ardagh Glass Packaging's Bridgeton Facility Secures FSSC 22000 Certification

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America (AGP-North America), a leading manufacturer of glass packaging solutions, has recently announced that its Bridgeton, New Jersey facility has achieved the prestigious FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification. This significant milestone underscores Ardagh's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality, ensuring the delivery of reliable and safe glass packaging solutions to the food and beverage industry[1].

What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

The FSSC 22000 certification scheme is globally recognized and aligned with the ISO management system approach and structure. It provides a comprehensive framework for managing food safety responsibilities, making it a benchmark for organizations seeking to ensure stringent food safety standards across the supply chain[2][3]. FSSC 22000 is fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is based on international standards such as ISO 22000 and ISO 22003-1. Version 6 of the FSSC 22000 scheme was released in March 2023 and became mandatory on April 1, 2024[2].

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification for AGP-North America

Achieving the FSSC 22000 certification highlights Ardagh's dedication to quality and safety in its operations. This certification:

• Enhances Trust: Demonstrates a robust food safety management system, enhancing trust with consumers and regulatory bodies.
• Ensures Consistency: Guarantees consistent food safety standards across all certified facilities.
• Meets Industry Standards: Aligns with the food and beverage industry's strict requirements for safe packaging solutions[1].

Ardagh's Commitment to Food Safety

Ardagh Glass Packaging has been producing innovative glass bottles in the U.S. for over 125 years. The company offers a wide range of premium glass bottles and jars in various colors, sizes, styles, and finishes[1]. Glass is the only widely used food packaging material granted "GRAS" (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA, reflecting its role as a trusted and environmentally friendly packaging option.

What This Means for AGP-North America's Facilities

The Bridgeton facility in New Jersey is the eighth AGP-North America facility to achieve FSSC 22000 certification. Other certified facilities include locations in Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and another in Indiana[1]. This widespread certification emphasizes Ardagh's comprehensive commitment to food safety across its operations.

Key Points About FSSC 22000 and Ardagh

• Global Recognition: FSSC 22000 is recognized by the GFSI and follows the ISO harmonized structure.
• Certification Process: Involves implementing a robust food safety management system based on international standards like ISO 22000 and ISO/TS 22002-1.
• Impact on SMEs: The FSSC 22000 Development Program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in achieving safe food production standards aligned with CODEX HACCP.

The FSSC 22000 Certification Process

To achieve this certification, organizations must undergo a rigorous audit process conducted by licensed and accredited certification bodies. The scheme documents are freely available for businesses to assess, develop, implement, and improve their food safety management systems before formal certification[2][3].

Conclusion

The achievement of FSSC 22000 certification by Ardagh's New Jersey facility is a testament to the company's commitment to excellence in food safety. As a leader in glass packaging solutions, Ardagh continues to set high standards in the industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for the food and beverage sector.

Future Outlook for AGP-North America

With this latest certification, AGP-North America solidifies its position in the market by ensuring that all its facilities adhere to stringent food safety standards. This step not only enhances consumer trust but also positions the company for future growth in a competitive market where safety and quality are paramount.

Impact on the Food and Beverage Industry

• Enhanced Safety Standards: Encourages other players in the industry to adopt robust food safety management systems.
• Sustainability: Aligns with sustainable development goals by ensuring safe and responsible practices in the supply chain.
• Market Confidence: Boosts market confidence in glass packaging solutions, emphasizing their role as a secure choice for food and beverages[4].

Conclusion

Ardagh Glass Packaging's achievement of the FSSC 22000 certification in New Jersey underscores its dedication to delivering high-quality, safe glass packaging solutions. This milestone reinforces its commitment to meeting the precise demands of the food and beverage industry, reinforcing trust with both consumers and regulatory authorities.