U.S – Cascades Sonoco, a joint venture between Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products Company, has announced its Birmingham facility has been Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified, a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked certification standard based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
SQF certification showcases certified sites’ commitment to a culture of food safety and operational excellence in food safety management.
Widely applicable to nearly every stage of the food supply chain, it addresses not only farming and packhouses, but everything from food manufacturing to animal feed and pet food production.
GFSI recognition has been considered the gold standard for food safety certification and harmonizes food safety standards under one umbrella to reduce risk to both producer and consumer while also managing costs, developing competencies and capacity and creating an international platform for collaboration, exchanging knowledge and networking.
“We are pleased to reach this important milestone for Cascades Sonoco “The SQF certification recognizes that our products are safe, reliable and cost efficient and tells our customers that food safety is at the forefront of our production process,” said Jeff Stacy, Market Segment Manager for Cascades Sonoco.
Getting ready for registration involves building the company’s Food Safety Management System (FSMS), documenting that system, and implementing it throughout the organization.
According to Registrar Corp, a 2012 survey of certified companies showed an average of 8-12 months to prepare for certification. However, the time frame will vary depending on an organization’s specific circumstances.
About Cascades Sonoco
Backed by more than 160 years of combined history, Cascades Sonoco was established in 1992 as a freestanding joint venture between Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products Ltd and have grown to emerge the world’s largest players in the paper industry.
Cascades Sonoco’s extensive range of laminates and coatings allow for virtually limitless customization. Combinations of multiple functional barrier platforms enable customers to tailor orders to meet complex and extreme conditions, such as significant changes in temperature or environment, global transportation, and varying country regulations.
About Cascades Inc.
Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added packaging, hygiene and recovery solutions. The company bagged two 2020 CTAQ Food Innovation Awards for its unique product in North America; a 100% recycled and recyclable thermoformed cardboard tray. This packaging solution took the honors in the Packaging and Technology and Productivity categories.
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global provider of consumer, industrial, and protective packaging. With annual net sales of approximately $5.2 billion, the Company has 19,000 employees working in approximately 300 operations in 34 countries, serving some of the world’s best-known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is committed to creating sustainable products, services and programs for customers, employees and communities that support our corporate purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life.
The Company was listed as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies for 2021 as well as being included in Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies for the third year in a row.
