The Cornerstone of Food Safety: The Significance of Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certifications in the US Packaging Industry

Launched by the Consumer Goods Forum in 2000, the GFSI has emerged as a cornerstone in the architecture of global food safety standards. It focuses on building a bigger community of people who care about food safety, working together to improve food safety standards for everyone. By benchmarking existing food standards against comprehensive food safety criteria, GFSI ensures that certified practices meet the highest possible standards, thus facilitating international food trade and bolstering consumer trust. 

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification stands out as one recognized by GFSI, with over 14,000+ certified plants in over 40 countries. This certification is tailored to ensure the utmost quality and safety of food packaging—a critical component of the food supply chain. SQF certification demonstrates a facility's ability to safely handle, process, and package food products. It safeguards against contamination and ensures the integrity of the food product from production to consumption. 

As a global leader in industrial packaging and services, Greif has a multitude of facilities across the United States that have earned the prestigious SQF certification. These certified facilities support a wide range of packaging products, including fiber drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), steel and plastic drums, and paper packaging; all products are manufactured under the strict guidelines of SQF certification. 
Their commitment to ensuring food safety is visible in their use of food-safe technology, equipment, and materials, as well as their pursuit of the most stringent certifications. Notably, all of Greif's IBC facilities in the United States currently maintain a GFSI recognized SQF certification. 

For example, the recently launched GCUBE IBC Flex 2.0 by Greif is engineered for shipping high-sensitivity products, with the ability to meet aseptic requirements needed for this industry. For food products, GCUBE IBC Flex 2.0 is ideal for packaging liquid and semi-liquid products such as purees, pastes, and malts. It exemplifies Greif's commitment to producing packaging in strictly controlled and safe facilities that meet the most stringent quality standards. 

The food industry is in a state of constant evolution, with emerging trends such as sustainable packaging solutions and the emphasis on traceability and transparency within the food supply chain gaining momentum. These patterns emphasize the increasing significance of upholding strict measures for packaging safety and quality, as companies with SQF certification could have an advantage in meeting these evolving requirements. 

Considering the difficulties faced by the food industry in overseeing worldwide food supply networks, the significance of certified packaging production facilities is increasingly critical. By maintaining a commitment to the highest levels of food safety and quality, these facilities safeguard consumers and promote the credibility and long-term viability of the global food sector. 
 
For media inquiries, please contact: 
Geresa Gonsalves-Joe 
Global Marketing Communications Manager 
Geresa.Gonsalves@greif.com / +1.843.368.0052