American packaging company LPS Industries’ recently completed cleanroom in Moonachie, New Jersey, has been certified ISO Class 8.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked food safety standard based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). NSF Food Safety Certification is accredited to certify to the SQF.
The certifying body NSF, founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation, conducted extensive, in-depth, multi-day audits of the applicable codes for flexible food quality packaging. This certification proves the dedication to providing food-compliant quality products to the food-based industries. The SQF codes require continual improvement for maintaining a food-safe, high-quality environment throughout the Cleanroom and the facility.
These certifications assure that food has been produced, prepared, and handled according to the most recognised standards
Paul Harencak, VP of LPS Industries, said: “Achieving this certification is a significant step forward that helps keep LPS Industries on the cutting-edge of flexible packaging technology. Our customers will be ensured that their product is produced in an environment suitable for packaging their food products and have security in knowing LPS Industries continues to strive for perfection every day.”
The cleanroom certification of ISO Class 8 means the LPS Industries' cleanroom has a maximum particle count of 100,000 particles greater than 0.5 microns per cubic foot of interior air. This level of cleanroom is used in biotechnology, pharmaceutical processes, and electronic assembly. In addition to the food packaging of LPS Industries, cleanrooms are also used in medical device assembly, lithium-ion battery production and solar panel production.
Harencak said: “These certifications are important to our brand as well as to our customers' peace of mind. These certifications assure that food has been produced, prepared, and handled according to the most recognised standards. They demonstrate a commitment to quality and continual improvement. As a result, they strengthen our brand and market credibility.”