Markem-Imaje, a Dover company and global supply chain solutions and industrial marking systems provider, has achieved the BRC Global Standard (BRCGS) Grade AA Packaging Materials Certification.

This highlights the quality of the company's continuous inkjet ink manufacturing site in Bourg-Lès-Valence, France, marking the first BRCGS certification for a coding company in Europe.

The BRCGS certification was awarded for two key processes that are conducted at the Bourg-Lès-Valence facility.

These include the production of inks and inkjet printer additives for coding alongside marking with direct or indirect food contact, as well as the creation of inks and additives to mark on primary and secondary packaging for products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

This achievement comes on the heels of the company's BRCGS Grade A Packaging Materials Certification last year, which was considered a milestone within the European market.

The BRCGS is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative and serves as the industry benchmark worldwide, not just for food packaging producers, but for all packaging applications throughout the supply chain.

Markem-Imaje Product Development and Engineering vice-president Mark Rapposelli said: “The BRC standard is one of the most prestigious certifications applicable to marking and coding ink production.

“This certification demonstrates the commitment of Markem-Imaje to innovating and satisfying both increasing demand by customers and consumers for the highest levels of food safety and compliance of marking and coding.”

The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of marking and coding systems, including inkjet, thermal transfer, laser, and print and apply label systems.

In June this year, Markem-Imaje launched a new resin and wax thermal transfer ribbon, SmartDate Xtra 3530, to address the increasing demands for durable code printing on environmentally friendly flexible film packaging.