TRUPAL secures AA+ BRCGS rating in unannounced packaging audit

A stress test for operational readiness

In the packaging industry, preparing for a scheduled audit is standard practice, but surviving an unannounced inspection with the highest possible grade is a true demonstration of operational muscle. This July 2026, TRUPAL, the Peruvian packaging manufacturer belonging to Grupo Gloria, has achieved the AA+ rating in the BRCGS Packaging Materials recertification. The "+" in this grade is not a mere decorative symbol; it indicates that the facility was audited without prior notice, proving that food safety protocols are a daily reality rather than a temporary setup for inspectors.

The BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) is one of the most rigorous frameworks recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Since the mandatory implementation of Issue 7 in April 2025, the standard has significantly tightened its requirements. Converters must now demonstrate a deeply embedded product safety culture, enhanced Hazard and Risk Assessment (HARA) systems, and stricter allergen management. For a company operating at the scale of TRUPAL, which manages both corrugated cardboard and flexible packaging lines, maintaining this level of constant readiness across its facilities in Huachipa and Sullana requires substantial investment in automation, training, and quality control.

Strategic implications for the agro-export supply chain

To understand the relevance of this certification, one must look at the market TRUPAL serves. The company is a critical node in the Latin American agro-export supply chain. In 2025, TRUPAL reported a sales growth of nearly 10% above initial estimates, driven largely by the robust demand for corrugated boxes designed for fresh produce. Peru has consolidated its position as a global powerhouse in the export of high-value agricultural products, such as blueberries, grapes, and avocados, destined for highly regulated markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

These export markets do not compromise on food contact materials. Corrugated containers used in the cold chain are subjected to extreme moisture and thermal stress. Any failure in the packaging's structural integrity or any cross-contamination during the manufacturing process can result in the rejection of entire shipments at destination ports. By securing the AA+ BRCGS grade, TRUPAL provides its clients with a verifiable "ticket-to-trade" that mitigates risk and ensures compliance with international retail standards.

Traceability and material science

Beyond the operational discipline required for an unannounced audit, this achievement highlights the technical complexity of modern paper converting. TRUPAL utilizes a mix of recycled fibers and sugarcane bagasse in its production processes. Managing these raw materials under the strict guidelines of BRCGS Issue 7 demands advanced traceability systems. Every roll of paper and every batch of adhesive must be tracked to prevent chemical migration and ensure microbiological safety.

Furthermore, the company's flexible packaging division, which also falls under this certification umbrella, faces its own set of challenges regarding barrier properties and printing inks. The ability to align both rigid and flexible packaging operations under the same AA+ standard speaks to a centralized and highly effective quality management system.

Achieving an AA+ in an unannounced audit under the stringent Issue 7 framework proves that TRUPAL has successfully transitioned food safety from a compliance checklist to a daily operational reflex. As global retailers continue to tighten their food contact material requirements, will unannounced audits become the baseline expectation rather than a badge of honor for corrugated converters? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai