MPS first to declare compliance to BPIF Labels’ GMP

MPS’ global regulatory and IP maintenance manager, Elaine Murray, said: ‘MPS Bristol fully moved to low migration (LM) inks for all products over two years ago and this is another step to give further product reassurance to all its customers. The move to LM ink for all products followed extensive trials and compatibility testing, including labelstock materials, so compliance with this new standard was a natural progression.’

The Bristol operation is MPS’s lead label site in the UK for food and drink labeling and this initiative demonstrates the site’s commitment to packaging safety. It also complements the European Carton Makers Association’s (ECMA) GMP for food carton manufacturing. All ten  MPS sites that supply food packaging declared compliance several years ago.

Chairman of BPIF Labels, John Bambery, said, ‘The issue of low migration inks that offer low odor and taint is becoming an important factor in the production of labels and packaging for the food and drink markets. MPS’ strategies in identifying this important niche is to be welcomed and we hope that this initiative will kick start a concerted industry wide response.’

 Once the key requirements of the guidelines have been met, companies may issue a self-declared compliance statement for the manufacturing of food and drink related labels. These companies will be listed on the BPIF Labels website and are allowed to use the BPIF Labels compliance seal.

‘The BPIF Labels GMP is an excellent sector specific tool to demonstrate compliance with the GMP regulation (EC) 2023/2006 and Food Contact Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004,’ says Bambery.

Andy Walter, managing director of MPS Bristol, said: ‘This is another first for the Bristol operation and follows our complete move to LM inks as well as the installation of new technology at the site last year. Our move to using only low-migration inks involved changing our ink stocks, conducting trials and completing profiling tests. We supply labels to some of the UK’s best-known brands and this initiative provides an extra layer of security for our customers whilst complementing the site’s BRC hygiene accreditation.’

The GMP guidelines are intended to establish procedures that minimize any potential for the migration of undesirable chemicals into food products resulting from the use of certain types of packaging raw materials. A number of products known to be sensitive, such as high-fat content foods, are typical of the goods which use self-adhesive labels. Testing had been conducted in accordance with the guidelines set out in the BPIF Labels GMP.

Andy Walter, MD, MPS Bristol receiving the certificate from John Bambery, Chairman of BPIF labels with Elaine Murray. MPS's Global Regulatory and IP Maintenance Manager on the left