Loparex Oy obtains hygiene certification with highest rating in Finland

In recognition of its high-performance hygiene system, Loparex Oy was certified in February in accordance with the ISO 22000 standard for food safety management systems. This type of certification has only been granted to approximately 20 companies so far. Loparex Oy’s certificate is the fourth such to be granted in Finland.

The hygiene system in place at Loparex Oy covers the manufacture of products for use in the food packaging, hospital and hygiene sectors. Loparex was granted the certificate with the highest rating in Finland.

According to Inspecta’s main auditor Pirjo Fagerstrm, Loparex’s personnel have a very positive attitude to hygiene: ‘Hygiene issues are fully understood and have been assimilated throughout the mill. Moreover, the company’s efforts to develop hygiene and environmental management go back a long way,’ said Fagerstrm during the award ceremony.

Launched in autumn 2005, ISO 22000 is a standard for food safety management systems that has been developed for all parties involved in the food chain. At Loparex, it has been integrated into the management system including ISO 9001 and ISO 14 001 certified systems and an OHSAS 18 001 system. Loparex, which is one of the Finnish pilot companies involved in the certification process, obtained the certification according to the planned time schedule.

For Loparex, the hygiene certificate is a major recognition of their long-term development efforts. ‘Loparex supplies specialty papers for the hygienic products and food industries. Our customers have very high standards as regards hygiene, and they audit our operations regularly,’ said Heikki Kotala, managing director of Loparex Oy. ‘The ISO 22000 certificate is based on an internationally created and recognized standard. It proves that we manage our hygiene issues in a systematic way that covers every aspect of the chain. Our customers can rely on our products being safe and hygienic.’