IFS – International Featured Standards

Spotlight: IFS PACsecure – The World’s Most Trusted Packaging Standard

IFS PACsecure is recognized globally as the leading packaging safety and quality standard, trusted by more than 270 packaging leaders worldwide.

Its roots date back to 2006, when PAC, The Packaging Association of Canada, launched PACsecure—a HACCP-based standard created by the packaging industry, for the packaging industry. Developed with input from over 100 Canadian manufacturers, customers, and suppliers, PACsecure was uniquely designed to address 24 distinct packaging manufacturing and conversion practices.

In February 2012, PAC partnered with International Featured Standards (IFS) to elevate PACsecure onto the global stage. The collaboration created IFS PACsecure, an internationally recognized, GFSI-benchmarked standard that unites packaging safety, quality, and compliance under one robust framework.

The most recent update, IFS PACsecure Version 3 (2024), reflects evolving industry needs. More user-friendly and flexible, it strengthens alignment with current market expectations while preserving the rigorous, risk-based approach that defines the standard.

Why IFS PACsecure Matters
IFS PACsecure closes the gap between packaging manufacturing and food safety compliance. It protects consumers by ensuring safe, high-quality packaging for food, cosmetics, household, and personal care goods. The standard is non-prescriptive, using HACCP principles to allow tailored, practical solutions and continuous improvement—without forcing a one-size-fits-all model.

Today, more than 270 facilities worldwide are certified, including global leaders like Amcor and International Paper. Certification supports transparency, reduces duplicate audits, increases efficiency, and boosts operational performance—building both trust and competitive advantage in the marketplace.