The IFS Packaging Guideline (Version 2.1), originally published in 2024, is now also available in German. The guideline makes it easier for German-speaking companies to access key information and practical recommendations on the safety of food packaging.
Key facts at a glance
- The IFS Packaging Guideline v2.1 is now also available in German.
- It is aimed primarily at food manufacturers and strengthens collaboration along the supply chain.
- It is based on IFS Food Version 8; for packaging manufacturers, IFS PACsecure is additionally decisive.
- Its focus is European legislation – national regulations must be considered in addition.
- Innoform contributed to the guide with technical comments and suggestions for improvement.
Who is the guideline for?
As stated in its introduction, the publication is aimed primarily at food manufacturers. The goal is to strengthen collaboration within the supply chain, support the provision of safe products and make responsibilities along the value chain more transparent.
The requirements in IFS Food Version 8 and in this guideline affect manufacturers of packaging materials primarily indirectly. For packaging manufacturers, IFS PACsecure is particularly decisive. Nevertheless, essential content and fundamental requirements from it have been integrated into this guideline in order to foster a shared understanding across the supply chain.
What does the guideline focus on?
The guideline focuses on the requirements of European legislation. In addition, individual EU member states may have further national regulations that must also be taken into account. Companies outside the European Union can likewise use the guideline as a valuable point of orientation. However, the applicable national legislation always remains decisive.
👉 The guideline offers companies in the food and packaging industry practical support for implementing regulatory requirements and for promoting a safe and transparent supply chain.
Innoform actively supported the development of the IFS guideline and was able to contribute its long-standing expertise through technical input and comments.
Frequently asked questions about the IFS guideline
What is the IFS Packaging Guideline?
The IFS Packaging Guideline (currently Version 2.1) is a guideline issued by IFS that brings together practical recommendations and requirements on the safety of food packaging. It helps companies implement regulatory requirements consistently along the supply chain. Available since 2024, it is now also provided in German.
Who is the guideline for?
Primarily for food manufacturers. The aim is to strengthen collaboration in the supply chain, support the provision of safe products and make responsibilities more transparent. Manufacturers of packaging materials are usually affected indirectly.
What is the difference between IFS Food Version 8 and IFS PACsecure?
IFS Food Version 8 is the standard for food manufacturers and affects packaging-material manufacturers only indirectly. For packaging manufacturers themselves, IFS PACsecure is decisive. Essential content from PACsecure has been integrated into the guideline to foster a shared understanding across the supply chain.
Which legal requirements does the guideline cover?
It focuses on the requirements of European legislation for food contact materials. In addition, individual EU member states may have national regulations that must be considered as well.
Can the guideline be used outside the EU?
Yes. Companies outside the European Union can also use the guideline as a valuable point of orientation. However, the applicable national legislation always remains decisive.
Where can I obtain the German edition of the guideline?
The IFS Packaging Guideline v2.1 is available for download as a PDF on the IFS website – now also in German. You can find the direct link at the top of this article.
What role did Innoform play in the guideline?
Innoform actively supported the development of the guideline and contributed long-standing expertise through technical input and comments. The Innoform Testservice also supports companies with conformity testing of food contact materials.
Related articles
- Whitepaper: Conformity testing of food contact materials
- Checklist for the declaration of compliance – Innoform Testservice
