Astrapak Group is proud to announce that Plastform has retained its world-class FSSC 22000 accreditation last week after a stringent two-day audit process at the Cape Town-based plant.
Quality is an attribute that is paramount within the Astrapak Group and clearly differentiates the Group from competitors.
It is imperative that each manufacturing site aligns with the Group’s principles in driving the correct processes and procedures and ensuring that all the necessary documentation is in place – the character traits of a successful audit.
Food Safety accreditation certification provides a process by which the Group can have their Product Safety Quality Management System audited and approved by an Accredited Certification Authority as being in compliance with International Standards. The FSSC 22000 scheme is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This allows Astrapak to use FSSC 22000 to meet the requirements of several global retailers or major branded food companies under a single, internationally recognised food safety management system.
To maintain the processes and to uphold the standard takes commitment and dedication from all the divisions within the company, and each and every team member plays a special part to contributing to the success of the certification.
Operation Manager at Plastform, Ockert van der Walt, explained that the company is made up of three processes – extrusion, thermoforming and decorating; the latter where the product is sleeved or printed. With the biggest production area being thermoforming, Van der Walt was especially satisfied that there were zero findings and commended the team effort in achieving a high standard in this particular area.
Plastform Quality Manager Charmaine Levendal praised her entire team for their efforts in conforming to the standards required for Food Safety accreditation and for ensuring the successful audit. She said that teamwork was key and that everyone played his or her part.
“It helps us to have these processes in place that do not compromise food safety and quality. I want us to live this way every day, with particular attention to detail. I would like to see these processes being upheld daily, and not just for audit. The culture has changed now with everything in place,” she said.