FSSC 22000 Certification Adds Packaging Rules to Reduce Food Waste

Foundation Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) has released Version 7 of its FSSC 22000 certification, introducing new requirements for packaging design aimed at reducing food loss and waste (FLW). Developed in collaboration with the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the update mandates that organizations designing primary packaging consider how materials can better protect and preserve products throughout the value chain. This regulatory shift impacts over 40,000 certified organizations globally, marking a significant move toward integrating food safety standards with sustainability and waste reduction goals.

The new Version 7 (V7) of the FSSC 22000 Certification Scheme marks a transition from general food loss goals to specific design-based mandates for primary packaging and material usage. According to Kelly Mulholland, technical manager for Safety and Quality at FSSC, the update applies to all organizations involved in the design and development of packaging materials. While the previous Version 6 required organizations to address food loss and waste, V7 explicitly links these objectives to the functionality and design of the packaging itself, recognizing the vital role packaging plays in minimizing waste.

The guidelines were developed through a partnership between Foundation FSSC, the WPO, and the AIP, drawing on research from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and End Food Waste Australia. Nerida Kelton, VP of Sustainability and Save Food at the WPO, emphasizes that the primary role of packaging is functionality—specifically protecting, preserving, and transporting products from "paddock to plate." The new standards are designed to be implemented by a wide range of entities, including small-to-medium enterprises and large food and beverage corporations, to ensure that global sustainable packaging targets are met without compromising product integrity.

With over 40,000 certified organizations now required to adhere to these principles, the update reflects a broader regulatory push toward a circular economy in the packaging sector. Kelton notes that the industry is currently shifting its focus from purely performance-based design to end-of-life considerations. However, she also cautions the sector against making material substitutions, such as moving from plastic to fiber-based solutions, based solely on consumer sentiment. Instead, the industry is encouraged to use life-cycle data to inform packaging decisions, ensuring that new designs effectively reduce environmental impact while maintaining their essential protective functions.