Our comments on the current REACH legislation

 

Through ongoing compliance with the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations 2007 (1935/2004) and the Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (1935/2004 & 1895/2005), Meridian can claim to be fully compliant with the current REACH legislation.

 

A full statement detailing Meridian's position has been released and is available for download below.

 

In summary:

 

Following consultation with the REACH advisory team within the HSE, it is clear that Meridian supplies articles as all packaging has been classified as such under the REACH regulations.

 

The key issues at stake are:

 

  1. Any substances that are intentionally released from the articles/materials must be pre-registered
  2. The presence of any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) must be brought to the attention of your customers and authorisation granted.

Simply put, we will enaure that our suppliers of printing inks and substrates (folding box board, PVC, PET, etc.) demonstrate that they will be able to continue to supply these materials without interruption as those further up the chain who are required to have pre-registered the requisite substances have done so, or have sourced viable alternatives.

 

The due diligence required on our part to maintain our BRC/IoP Global Standards accreditation and to ensure compliance with all required legislation does not permit Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) from coming onto our horizon.

 

Meridian’s quality and hygiene management system and manufacturing processes comply with the overall framework and requirements of regulation 2023/2006 regarding Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).  

 

It is a statement of fact that Meridian (Speciality Packaging) Ltd. complies with the EU regulation 1907/2006 REACH.

 

DOWNLOAD THE STATEMENT

 

Useful Links:

 

Food Standards Agency overview of legislation and regulations surrounding food packaging and food contact materials - click here

 

Handy list of all EU legilsation related to our industry - click here



 

"Having attended the recent FSA workshop targeting a usable set of guidelines as to how manufacturers and food producers alike can ensure that clear communication exists up and down the supply chain, I am extremely positive about the effectiveness of our relationship both with our suppliers and our customers.

We have launched a project internally to look at delivering Declarations of Compliance (DoCs) in line with the suggested best practice which was discussed at the workshop.

If any of our customers want to discuss their requirements for increased levels of transparency I am happy to try to accommodate them.

I really believe that our approach has to be reproduced by all manufacturers for the general confusion and muddy waters to be cleared and the issues at stake to be addressed correctly.

"

Adam Heath, Operations Manager - Meridian Speciality Packaging