Shane D’Souza, CEO of Clifton Packaging
Clifton Packaging, a leading UK flexible packaging manufacturer, has secured AA+ grade certification following a voluntary unannounced BRCGS Packaging Materials audit across both of its Leicester production sites, highlighting the company's commitment to maintaining the highest operational standards.
The voluntary unannounced recertification audit, conducted in December 2025, saw Clifton upgrade from its previous AA grading to the prestigious AA+ grade - the highest accolade available under the BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 7 standard. The AA+ grade can only be achieved through an unannounced audit, with Clifton deliberately choosing this more rigorous assessment route to prove its facilities are audit-ready every single day.
Across both sites, the audit identified just one minor non-conformity, underlining the robustness of Clifton's quality management systems, food safety protocols, and operational procedures. The BRCGS Packaging Materials standard, recognised globally by major retailers and food manufacturers, provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring the production of safe, high-quality packaging materials whilst maintaining legal compliance and product authenticity.
Shane D'Souza, CEO at Clifton Packaging, said: "Achieving AA+ grade through a voluntary unannounced audit perfectly reflects the exceptional standards our team maintains day in, day out. We chose the unannounced route because we believe in total transparency. Our customers deserve to know that quality and safety are embedded in everything we do, not just when an auditor is scheduled to visit. This galvanises our position as a trusted partner for brands who demand excellence across their entire supply chain."
The certification strengthens Clifton's credentials as an end-to-end flexible packaging partner for the food industry, complementing the company's recent investments in advanced manufacturing technology and sustainable material innovation.
To learn more about Clifton Packaging and its activities, visit cliftonpackaging.com. The team will be in action at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 on stand F30, 11-12 February 2026, at Birmingham NEC.