Gerresheimer now manufactures cosmetic glass to pharma stand

Gerresheimer is one of the first cosmetic glass manufacturers to have one of its plants (Tettau/Germany) certified as compliant with the ISO 22716 GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standard. „This certification confirms the excellent quality, exemplary processes and sustainable production of cosmetic glass in Tettau. Until now, ISO 22716 certification has predominantly played a role in the pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical packaging production, so Gerresheimer is setting new standards by obtaining it for cosmetic glass production. Gerresheimer is one of the leading partners to the pharma and healthcare industry and it also manufactures innovative glass packaging products such as flacons and cream jars for international cosmetics manufacturers,“ the company pointed out.

"The cosmetic industry’s requirements of glass packaging are becoming increasingly discerning, both in terms of the products’ quality and in respect of the production processes. We have set a new benchmark with our GMP certification. It confirms that we satisfy the extremely high standards that apply in pharmaceutical glass production," said Bruno Bürkel, Executive Vice President of Gerresheimer’s Moulded Glass Division.

The ISO 22716 standard was derived from the GMP 15378 standard for pharma production and it was initially only issued in respect of the production of cosmetics such as perfumes and creams. This meant that the standard had to be re-interpreted for application in the certification of a cosmetic glass manufacturer. The certification body DQS Medizinprodukte and Gerresheimer teamed up to adapt the standard for cosmetic glass production and Gerresheimer Tettau was audited and certified in February 2012. Now ISO 22716 also stipulates the requirements of a cosmetic packaging quality assurance system covering the entire process, from design and production to delivery, plus requirements for the sustainable management of natural resources. The application of GMP principles in the production and inspection of primary packaging for cosmetic products is crucial to ensuring safety and quality because the cosmetics come into direct contact with their packaging.

Gerresheimer has held ISO 9001 certification for its quality management system since 2001. In 2007, the plant also underwent an audit to confirm its compliance with the HACCP Directive (EC) 852/2004 = ( Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point). This system facilitates hazard analysis and critical control point monitoring in the production cycle taking specific hygiene requirements into account. The energy management systems were certified in 2009 pursuant to Article 41 of EEC/2009.

Gerresheimer Tettau produces around 700 million glass containers such as flacons and cream jars for the cosmetics industry. The Gerresheimer Group also manufactures glass packaging products for the cosmetics industry at its plants in Momignies (Belgium) and Beijing (China).

About Gerresheimer

The Group realizes revenues of around one billion euros and has over 10,000 employees at 46 locations in Europe, North and South America and Asia.