Let’s be real — if you’re buying packaging from overseas (like most of our clients in the U.S. and Europe), certifications can make or break your trust in a supplier. I’ve seen cases where clients got burned by fake certificates or outdated documents — and we do not play that game at GreenWing.
I’m writing this because many of our wholesale buyers — especially food brands — ask the same question: “What certifications do I actually need to look for?”
Let’s break it down, one by one.
1. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
The FSC label tells your customers: “Hey, we care about the planet.”
This certification ensures the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. It’s a must-have if you’re selling to eco-conscious markets like the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
We’ve been FSC certified for over a decade. Every paper bag we produce can be traced back to a responsible source. Trust me, your sustainability team will thank you.
2. ISO 9001: Quality Management System
This isn’t just a fancy badge. ISO 9001 is the gold standard for consistent product quality and process control.
For a factory like ours producing 5 million bags daily, ISO 9001 keeps the engine running smoothly. We’ve built every department — from sourcing to post-processing — around this standard.
If your current supplier doesn’t have this? 🚨 Big red flag.
3. ISO 22000: Food Safety Management
If you’re buying food packaging bags, this one’s non-negotiable.
ISO 22000 ensures our bags are produced in a food-safe environment. That means no contamination risks, no sketchy inks, and yes — regular audits.
Most of our U.S. clients (especially QSR brands) require this. We’re not just certified — we maintain dedicated clean zones in our facility just for food-grade orders.
4. SGS Certification
SGS is a third-party testing powerhouse. It’s not a single certification — it’s more like a stamp that confirms your bags pass chemical, physical, or mechanical tests.
We often run SGS tests on:
- Heavy metal content in inks
- Strength & durability
- Water resistance
If you want bags tested for your country’s import rules, ask us. We’ve done custom SGS testing for over 30 countries.
5. BRC (British Retail Consortium) Certification
If you’re supplying to supermarkets or food chains in the UK or EU, BRC is a biggie. It’s all about hygiene, traceability, and accountability in packaging.
This cert is more common for food contact packaging, but trust me — even non-food buyers love it. It shows we’re playing at the top level of compliance.
📌 What is BRC Packaging Certification?
6. Sedex (SMETA) Social Responsibility Audit
Certifications aren’t just about quality — they’re also about ethics.
Sedex/SMETA audits focus on:
- Worker conditions
- Safety
- Fair wages
- No child labor
Buyers from Europe and Australia ask for this more and more. At GreenWing, we’re proud to pass every audit with high marks — and give our 300+ staff a great working environment.
7. REACH / RoHS Compliance (for EU Market)
If you’re shipping to the EU, you’ll want to be sure your packaging is REACH and RoHS compliant — meaning it’s free from harmful substances like heavy metals or toxic dyes.
Our printing inks, glue, and paper are all compliant, and we can provide full lab test reports on request.
In Summary
Certifications matter — a lot. And at GreenWing, we don’t just chase the paper trail. We live by these standards, every single day. Whether you’re sourcing food-grade takeaway bags or premium retail packaging, we’ve got the paperwork — and the proof — to back it up.
Need help reviewing your supplier’s certificates? Or want a sample + doc pack from us? Just email me: info@greenwingpackaging.com — happy to help.
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