UK-based custom printed labels firm Mercian Labels has notched up 'A' grade BRC (British Retail Consortium) accreditation for its two manufacturing units in Staffordshire and Derbyshire in recognition of hygiene.
The BRC Global Standard for Packaging & Packaging Materials certification marks the standards for quality, safety and legality, as identified by retailers, manufacturers and packaging businesses across the globe. The distinction earned by the firm is in addition to the ISO 9001 secured earlier.
Mercian Labels sales director Hugo Gell said: "With the recent addition of business from large multiples in the food, drink and retail sectors, it was essential that we could advertise our proficiencies in producing high volume, high quality products in a hygienic, safe and properly controlled environment."
"This is a significant step in our development. We will now service the requirements of major retail sectors especially in food, drink, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, by providing labels that are fully BRC compliant and accredited, as well as exceeding ISO quality standards."
The company has its facilities at Burntwood, Staffordshire and Derby, Derbyshire, which produces self-adhesive labels to cater to the markets in the UK and overseas.
The standards underline HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point) good manufacturing practices, hygiene, safety and quality requirements for packaging makers catering to food and consumer products industries. Such a benchmark also aid retailers and food manufacturers towards meeting legal obligations.
Adrian Steele, MD of Mercian Labels said: "2014 saw a six figure investment in a further new state-of-the-art high speed 8-colour flexo press at our Derby site. 2015 saw a similar sized investment at the new Burntwood factory, being the world's first installation of a Xeikon Cheetah, the super-fast digital label printing technology that also uses FDA approved food safe toners; so we are an obvious choice for respected brands."
