Proprint Achieves SQF Certification
At Royal Containers, our core strength has always been clear: Building Partnerships in Packaging. That means bringing corrugate packaging, folding carton, POP and retail displays all under one roof. With state-of-the-art printing, Flexo, Litho, digital and state of the art finishing, mounting, die cutting, folding and gluing our customers can move seamlessly from concept to shelf with one integrated team.
With Proprint, a division of Royal Containers, officially SQF certified for secondary food packaging, we’ve strengthened that foundation even further.
This certification enhances our folding carton capabilities with globally recognized food safety standards, adding documented controls, full traceability, and structured compliance to the integrated packaging and display expertise our customers already rely on.
The SQF program is recognized in more than 40 countries, with over 14,000 certified sites worldwide. Proprint is now one of them.
What Is SQF and Why It Matters
SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification program administered by the SQF Institute, a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association.
The program is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), aligning it with internationally recognized food safety management standards.
For food brands, retailers, and private label programs, SQF certification signals:
- Rigorous food safety systems
- Full traceability of materials
- Documented preventative controls
- Ongoing third-party audits
It provides an added layer of assurance that packaging partners are operating under structured, verified processes designed to protect product and brand integrity.
The Year Behind the Certification
When our customers grow, we grow with them. Achieving SQF certification reinforces our commitment to operating at the highest global food safety standards — without compromising the speed, flexibility, and service that sets us apart in the marketplace.
Achieving SQF certification required a year-long operational transformation. Proprint’s facility transitioned into a controlled-access food packaging environment, including:
- Restricted plant access to authorized personnel
- Dedicated change rooms
- Additional handwashing stations
- Ground and polished floors
- Repaired and repainted walls
- Secured shipping entry points
- Comprehensive plant-wide signage
- Replacement of breakable mirrors with non-glass alternatives
- Conversion of wood surfaces to non-porous, wipeable materials
Beyond physical upgrades, we strengthened internal systems around HACCP principles and full material traceability. Every paper stock, ink, and adhesive is documented by lot number and supplier chain-of-custody — ensuring accountability at every stage of production.
SQF certification includes annual audits and continuous compliance monitoring. It demands discipline every day, not just during inspection.
Proprint achieved certification from our very first audit, which is a huge testament to the diligent commitment by everyone involved. From the office to production, everyone played a part in the success of this initiative.
A True Team Effort
This accomplishment was the result of extraordinary preparation and leadership. The process was led by Richard Krakower, Martin Sonne and Joel Pelkonen. These individuals, along with many others, invested countless hours of time, focus, and energy into audit preparation, documentation, plant upgrades, training, and system implementation to make this certification a reality.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our press crews, plant staff, and management team who embraced the operational changes required and demonstrated outstanding effort throughout the process. Maintaining SQF standards is a daily commitment, and it is their continued discipline and professionalism that keep the program alive and running every single day.
This was not the work of one department — it was a true team effort.
Strengthening Partnerships — All Under One Roof
For our customers, SQF certification reinforces the value of working with Royal Containers Group of Companies.
Within one integrated organization, you now have access to:
- SQF-certified folding carton manufacturing
- Advanced lithographic and digital printing
- POP print and retail display expertise
- Corrugated packaging and shipping solutions
- Vertically integrated production capabilities
One partnership. One coordinated approach. All supported under one roof.
SQF certification strengthens our operational foundation and enhances the accountability behind everything we produce. It reflects the systems, standards, and structure required to support long-term partnerships and it reinforces what Building Partnerships in Packaging truly means.
Leave A Comment