When buyers in food, drink, and go hunting for a packaging supplier, one question always comes up fast: “Are you BRCGS-certified?” Lesters Packaging is deep into that journey right now, building the processes, audits, and documentation that will earn the prestigious certification. Below we break down what BRCGS is, what BRCGS stands for, and most importantly, why certification will let Lesters step into new markets with confidence.
What Does BRCGS Stand For?
BRCGS is short for Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards, which is a set of internationally recognised rules covering food safety, packaging materials, storage, distribution, consumer products, and more. Born from the British Retail Consortium, BRCGS now reaches 20,000+ sites in over 130 countries, giving specifiers a single, trusted benchmark.
What Is BRCGS Certification?
Put simply, BRCGS certification is an independent sign-off that a manufacturer’s quality, hygiene, and safety systems meet the Global Standard for Packaging Materials. An external auditor performs checks and tests before awarding a grade. Annual audits happen to keep everyone honest and to confirm compliance.
Why Does It Matter to Buyers?
- Risk reduction: Retailers and co-packers are reassured knowing their cardboard food packaging comes from a site that matches global food-safety norms.
- One language worldwide: A BRCGS certificate means the same in Birmingham, Berlin, or Bangkok, smoothing multinational supply chains.
- Audit piggybacking: Brands often waive their site visit when a current BRCGS report is on file, cutting admin for both sides.
How Certification Unlocks New Markets for Lesters
Market segment | Current barrier without BRCGS | What changes post-certification |
Chilled & frozen food | Supermarkets insist on BRCGS-approved carton makers | Lesters can quote directly, not via intermediaries |
Nutraceutical & sports nutrition | Strict traceability needed for sachet cartons and POS | Certification proves end-to-end batch control |
Cosmeceutical & beauty | Growing demand for food-grade hygiene in skin-contact packs | Opens doors to premium brands seeking hygienic convertors |
Export to North America | Many US and Canadian buyers list BRCGS as a pre-qualifier | Lesters joins the shortlist without extra audits |
Earning that BRCGS badge isn’t a finish line; it’s a new baseline.
With certification in hand, Lesters Packaging plans to:
- Pitch larger grocery contracts to expand business opportunities.
- Support food-startup accelerators needing small runs plus world-class compliance.
- Partner with sustainability-minded brands combining our recycled, lightweight corrugate with globally recognised safety standards.
Ready to future-proof your packaging?
If your next project demands BRCGS-level assurance or you simply want to learn more about where Lesters is heading, get in touch. We’ll share the latest timeline and show how smart, safe packaging can give your brand an edge. If you need our packaging services, have a look at our wide range of products, here.
