Food Packaging Stewardship Certification

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety and environmental impact of packaging. They demand brands prioritize responsible sourcing and ensure their products are free from harmful chemicals (e.g., Chemicals of Concern (COCs), Substances of Interest (SOIs), Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), and more). We help companies achieve this with our comprehensive Package Stewardship service—whether through a testing firm or directly!

Our four-step Packaging Stewardship Certification is designed to empower brands with complete confidence in the safety and compliance of packaging materials. We go beyond basic attestations from suppliers to provide a thorough assessment, ensuring your packaging adheres to the strictest regulations and minimizes the risk of harmful chemicals (Chemicals of Concern (COCs), also known as Substances of Interest (SOIs) entering the supply chain.

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Our Capabilities and Unique 4-Step Process

Phase 1: Supplier Attestation Analysis
We define supplier attestations regarding the absence of specific COCs in packaging materials. We don't just accept face value by identifying potential gaps.

Phase 2: Comprehensive Material Information Compilation
We meticulously compile information on your packaging materials, including compliance :

Regulations: Including as The Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) Model Legislation for Packaging and Printing Materials, California Proposition 65, US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Packaging Allergens: Reviewing more than a dozen common allergens present in the packaging materials that pose a risk to consumers with allergies
FDA Approvals: We ensure that your packaging is approved for a specific food type and intended conditions of use
Processing Aids: We identify and gather information about all processing aids used in packaging, including coatings, inks, and adhesives, along with their manufacturers

Phase 3: FDA-Compliant Packaging Testing
We conduct FDA-compliant testing on select packaging components for added assurance to verify their safety for the intended food type and use.

Phase 4: Proactive Risk Management
We help you stay ahead of the curve. Our analysis will highlight any COCs detected in Phases 2 and 3, alerting you to potential challenges related to:

Consumer lawsuits
Competitive pressures from brands prioritizing safer packaging
Potential changes in legislation regarding COCs

This proactive approach allows you to address concerns before they escalate, safeguarding your brand reputation and minimizing potential risks.

Packaging Stewardship Provides Brand Benefits

1

Stewardship Certification builds confidence in packaging and protects a brand’s reputation

2

Through Stewardship, brands have the data they need to ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards, reducing the risk of legal issues or reputational damage

3

Alignment with sustainability goals in the use of recycled content, recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging, which can help differentiate your brand and appeal to consumers

4

Knowledge-based program to ensure pending CoCs are known and removed from packaging; this type of commitment and transparency enhances consumer trust and loyalty

Our leaders

Dr Claire Sand
Food Packaging Expert | Packaging Scientist, Consultant, Speaker, Author, Expert Witness

Kim Connolly
Packaging, Print Technology & Sourcing Expert

Related PTR thought leadership insights

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NEWS: Jan 2025: FDA Determines Authorization for 35 Food Contact Notifications Related to PFAS Are No Longer Effective
ARTICLE: FDA limits phthalate ban to nine compounds, Food Navigator USA, Nov 2024
ARTICLE: Tackling PFAS for Safer and More Sustainable Food Packaging Food Safety Magazine Dec 2023/Jan 2024
ARTICLE: In Pursuit of Clean Packaging with No Chemicals of Concern Food Safety December 2022