He continues: "LC Packaging forms an important link in the logistical chain of food products. The production of packaging materials and the safety of the food in these packagings and in storage is very important for the quality of the end product. We take our responsibility in that chain, and so we find it important to work according to the BRC standards. We value the extra alertness from our customers, and are proud of getting this certification."
Two-day audit
In 2014, the audit was prepared, over which Kris presided. "Our parent company (LC Packaging International) had experience, so that made the preparatory work easier. In December, the audit took place. There were two main windows: the first was about an inspection of the building, the working method and the staff. The company was examined from top to bottom, particularly in the warehouse. Aspects like structure, pest control, safety, cleanliness and working method were addressed. During the second window, all procedures were checked, including storage, production, sales, invoicing and complaints. Everything had to be described in the handbook. Following positive audits on December 10 and 11, we were awarded two certificates: the BRC Storage & Distribution (S&D) grade A, with scope: The storage of and trade in food and non-food packaging materials, and the BRC Industry of Packaging (IoP) grade A, with scope: Production (folding + gluing) stackable cardboard boxes and trays."
Why BRC?
Kurt Du Bois, Managing Director Belgium, says they wanted to raise the bar internally in several areas. "It's actually almost a matter of course these days to get these certificates, especially when your product comes into contact with food. Apart from that, LC Packaging wants to distinguish itself even more, in an economically difficult climate. Professionalization is taking place in our entire international group, and we are noticing this has a positive influence on contact with our clients, and what we stand for. Internationally, we now have an impressive portfolio of certificates, in terms of food safety, but also, for example, related to human rights. LC Packaging is now an even stronger partner, and this now got an extra dimension."
What it means for customers
According to Kurt, initially a customer shouldn't really notice the fact that LC Packaging is BRC certified. "It's mainly that you provide a fast solution when things go wrong. Everything can be traced in no time then." Kris adds: "For a customer, it's important for them to know we have the certification. For them, we are now a partner with reliable and safe products. We manage the system to guarantee quality and food safety. It's certainly been worth the investment." Kurt emphasizes that the change is mainly noticeable internally. "It's mainly about our employees in the warehouse: for them, a lot has changed radically. Through extra training, everyone now knows which procedures are to be followed where. It requires a lot of precision."
ICT and automations
"Our traceability is now linked to the ERP system in SAP. With the new warehouse, we immediately implemented WMS, and together with the BRC procedures, these three facets are now combined. New at LC Packaging is the realization of an online order site. In the ERP system of our corrugated cardboard factory, we are now setting up a Process Integration (PI) system, which will go live very soon. The 2 different ERP systems are thus linked to each other."
New building
Since 2013, LC Packaging has been located in a brand new company building. "We built taking into account future growth," Kurt says. "2014 was a successful year, both in terms of big bags and stackable boxes and trays. We now have more room than beforehand, especially in terms of height and in our shelve system, but we need to continuously watch the management of our (working) stock." One of the added values LC Packaging offers is making bespoke packagings and print. "You see more and more demand for personalized packaging, especially with the growth of all sorts of specialities."
Optimization
The parent company has a Quality Management Department working together with the local quality managers, with everything being monitored extra. For the coming years, LC Packaging will keep aiming for optimization of the quality system, and increasing the food safety level. Sustainability and socially responsible entrepreneurship is also high on the agenda there. Kurt "In terms of rules for direct food contact, we want to be a frontrunner and set an example. Obtaining the BRC certificates is the cherry on the pie here."
International
With its headquarters in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, LC Packaging now has locations and warehouses in 15 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. LC Packaging, established in 1923, had a revenue of 150 million Euro in 2014, and has a thousand employees worldwide. The LC Packaging network keeps expanding all over the world. Recently, a branch in Ivory Coast was opened, as well as a new office in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year, more expansions are planned.
For more information:
LC Packaging Belgium NV
Kempenarestraat 55
2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver
T +32 15 556 810
F +32 15 558 463
E info@lcpackaging.com
W www.lcpackaging.com