My wines are very expressive over the first few months and retain lots of freshness, with crisp aromas.

Laurent Dubois
Owner
Château les Bertrands

Certifications

Supreme Corq is the ONLY synthetic closure manufacturer in the world that has achieved ISO 9001:2000, BRC (British Retail Consortium) AIB (American Institute of Baking), and Organic Use certifications.

These globally recognized quality process certifications demonstrate Supreme Corq’s ongoing commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality and most consistent product, worldwide.

ISO

What is ISO?

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies for countries around the world.

ISO is a non-governmental organization established in 1947. The mission of ISO is to promote the development of standardized practices with a view of facilitating the international exchange of goods and services.

It is interesting to note the ISO is not an acronym for International Organization of Standardization but a Greek word meaning equal.

What is ISO certification?

ISO certification indicates a company’s compliance to a set of standards for quality management and operational systems that is recognized and accepted around the world. Currently more than 90 countries utilize the ISO standard. When you purchase products or services from companies that are registered to the ISO standard, you will be reassured about quality consistency.

Why is ISO certification important?

Many companies require their suppliers to become registered to the ISO standards. A company’s compliance to ISO standards ensures that it has a sound quality management system in place. Companies that achieve ISO certification often experience the following benefits:

  • Ability to provide a more consistent product
  • Increased demand for their product
  • Increased customer satisfaction
  • Reduced customer complaints
  • Reduced costs

Which ISO certification did Supreme Corq receive?

Supreme Corq received the ISO 9001:2000 certification, which is the most comprehensive and stringent certification that is currently awarded to a company.

BRC

What is BRC?

BRC (British Retail Consortium) is a trade association that represents 90% of the retail trade in the UK.

BRC has developed a technical standard covering areas of quality, hygiene and product safety for companies manufacturing and supplying food packaging materials for retailer branded products. The technical standard was first published in 2001. The BRC is directly involved in a number of issues affecting retailers and consumers which include:

  • Food Safety
  • All Forms of Legislation
  • E-Commerce
  • The Environment
  • Retail Crime

What is IOP?

The IOP (Institute of Packaging) is the professional membership body for the packaging industry which was established in 1947. The IOP has brought together the many needs of these sectors involved in the manufacture of Food and Non-Food packaging. It accredits and /or awards a number of qualifications based on its own technical standards, either on its own or in an association with other bodies, and is the awarding body for the Diploma in Packaging Technology

How do BRC and IOP work together?

The IOP has joined with BRC in developing a comprehensive standard called the “New Standard for Food Packaging Materials” which joins together the elements of both the BRC and IOP technical standards.

What is BRC certification?

BRC certification indicates compliance to the “New Standard for Food Packaging Materials” technical standard developed jointly by BRC and IOP.

Why is BRC certification important?

BRC certification will help in the protection of the consumer by providing a common basis for auditing companies supplying or manufacturing packaging for food products to retailers.

BRC certification will also help suppliers show “due diligence” by assisting them in putting appropriate systems and controls in place to ensure the suitability of their packaging for safe food use. This assists retailers and food manufactures to ensure that their premises and practices are safe for the production of packaging materials that come in contact with food.

Which BRC certification did Supreme Corq receive?

Supreme Corq received the highest level of certification - Hazard Level Category “B”. This certification is awarded to companies that manufacture products that will come in direct contact with the food.

AIB

What is AIB?

Founded in 1919, the AIB (American Institute of Baking) is a not-for-profit corporation founded as a technology center for bakers and food processors.

Is AIB recognized worldwide?

Yes. Although AIB’s history has been traditionally linked with North American wholesale and retail baking, the institute currently serves many segments of the food processing, distribution, foodservice and retail industries, worldwide. The AIB association currently has more than 700 members in many countries, ranging from international food ingredient and food service companies to small single unit facilities.

What are AIB Standards?

The AIB standards were developed to evaluate handling operations, product safety, and compliance against a group of globally recognized food safety and manufacturing, production and warehousing standards.

The AIB standards are a combination of food safety standards issued by a variety of global organizations including the U.S. Department of Health and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Military Standards. Therefore, the AIB standards are more comprehensive and stringent than any individual standard.

Why is certification to AIB standards important?

Certification to AIB standards are important for the following reasons:

  • Provides customers with a Quality Certification to a globally recognized standard
  • Provides assurances to existing and potential customers that the products are produced in a qualified plant that meets strict quality criteria and customer specifications
  • Reduces the need for customers and third party audits of the quality assurance systems

What rating did Supreme Corq achieve?

Supreme Corq achieved a "Superior" rating on the AIB audit that was performed on April 2009. A "Superior" rating is the highest rating awarded to companies that undergo AIB certification. Our "Superior" rating demonstrates our on-going commitment to producing the best product in a safe and sanitary environment.

Is AIB comparable to other food standards?

The AIB certification is comparable to the European BRC (British Retail Consortium) standards.

ORGANIC USE CERTIFICATION

What is an Organic Use Certification?

An Organic Use Certification provides third-party confirmation that a company is in compliance with organic standards including:

  • Avoidance of synthetic chemical inputs (ex: fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives, etc)
  • Use of farmland that has been free of chemicals for a number of years (generally 3 or more)
  • Keeping detailed written production and sales records
  • Maintaining separation of organic and non-organic products
  • Undergoing periodic on-site inspections

Organic Use Certification assures the consumer of the organic integrity of the product.

What does the Organic Use Certification mean to Supreme Corq?

SupremeCorq closures have been certified for use with organic products per the Organic Use Certification. Supreme Corqclosures can be used to seal products that are certified organic per the requirements outlined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) guidelines.

What is involved in receiving an Organic Use Certification?

The following steps must be accomplished in order to obtain Organic Use Certification:

  • Development of an Organic Systems Plan which outlines compliance to organic use requirements relating to materials, production processes and inspection procedures.
  • On site audit and inspection by an accredited third party to ensure compliance with organic requirements outlined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) guidelines.
  • Receipt of the Organic Use Certification

How do companies maintain their Organic Use Certification?

After their initial certification, companies must have regular on-going assessment audits annually to ensure continued compliance to the organic requirements outlined by the USDA After.

Why is Supreme Corq’s Organic Use Certification unique in the synthetic closure industry?

Supreme Corq is the ONLY synthetic closure manufacturer in the world to have obtained this certification. In addition to our Organic Use Certification, Supreme Corq is the only synthetic closure company in the world to hold ISO 9001:2000, BRC (British Retail Consortium) and AIB (American Institute of Baking) quality certifications, simultaneously.