Understanding GFSI requirements for ink storage, transport and traceability in food packaging production
In this edition of our GFSI blog series, we turn our attention to the warehousing and storage of inks. Safe storage is a critical link in the food packaging supply chain, helping to prevent contamination, preserve material integrity and maintain compliance with food safety standards – especially when dealing with volatile substances like base inks, solvents and reworked materials. But how do the main food safety management schemes interpret these requirements?
This blog summarises the common warehousing and transport principles found in BRCGS, SQF and FSSC 22000, from the perspective of ink logistics. We also explain how GSE’s software tools help ensure compliance – from intake to expiry control, traceability and hazard labelling.
Storage requirements in the three food safety management schemes
The criteria for storage of inks and warehousing can be found in:
- Section 5.9 of the BRC Global Standard (BRCGS) for Packaging Materials
- Section 2.14 of FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
- Section 13.6 of Safe Quality Food (SQF).
Here is a summary of storage and transport requirements from the perspective of ink logistics, combining common principles from the three schemes.
Product integrity: protecting inks, raw materials and packaging
It must be ensured that raw materials, inks, press chemicals and finished packaging are always stored under safe and controlled conditions. These include:
- Segregation of incompatible materials (e.g. hazardous chemicals, allergens, recycled and virgin materials).
- Protection from contamination (physical, microbiological or allergenic), damage, odours, and taint – through sealed packaging, physical barriers, and clean surroundings.
- Storage off the floor and away from walls to avoid pest ingress and moisture damage.
- Use of designated areas for different material types (e.g. returned goods, work-in-progress, cleaning agents).
Hazardous substances: safe ink and chemical handling
Inks and solvents used in printing are often classified as hazardous and must be:
- Properly labelled and shall be correctly labelled and used only according to manufacturers’ instructions.
- Stored in controlled, ventilated, lockable areas, labelled and segregated from food-contact zones.
- Listed with current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and managed under a documented inventory.
- Handled only by trained personnel with access to proper PPE and first aid.
- Disposed of properly, with no reuse of single-use containers and no mixing with food-grade items.
Transport and loading: clean, suitable and secured
Whether inks or printed packaging are moving in or out:
- Vehicles must be clean, odour-free, maintained and inspected before use.
- Seals and tamper-proof mechanisms are required for outbound shipments to ensure traceability and integrity.
- Cross-contamination prevention protocols must be in place during loading and unloading.
- Temperature or humidity controls, where relevant, should be maintained to preserve ink stability and packaging properties.
Traceability, FIFO and stock rotation
Ink logistics teams must:
- Implement FIFO (First In First Out) or FEFO (First Expired First Out) systems to ensure shelf-life compliance.
- Label all storage units clearly with batch numbers, contents, and expiry or best-before dates.
- Keep materials, including inks and additives, traceable across the production chain, especially when returned inks are reused.
- Ensure inventory turnover to avoid contamination, degradation or use of expired materials.
GSE software for complying with ink storage requirements
GSE’s Advanced logistics software module helps packaging printers manage ink storage and warehousing in alignment with GFSI-compliant practices.
Upon booking in delivered inks, each barrel is individually registered with key data such as batch code, weight, production and expiry dates and storage location. The software assigns a unique inventory number and generates a barcode label for identification and traceability.
This process is outlined in detail in our previous blog How to keep ink inventories for spot colours at optimum levels.
With GSE Traceability, you can log the shelf life of new containers with base components in the database, optionally by scanning the label.
Our software modules support expiry management by displaying expiry dates across key screens such as machine stock, inventory, return inks and dispense history. Expired inks are highlighted in orange, and grid functions like sorting and filtering help ensure inks are used in time (FEFO). Read more in our previous blog: From container to colour: managing ink expiry for high-quality results.
To support safety and compliance, GSE Hazard symbol printing software prints GHS symbols on spot-colour ink labels. While base inks typically carry these warnings, the final mix must also show all combined hazards – ensuring clear identification and safe handling throughout the workflow and storage.
Organised storage is compliant storage
Storing and transporting inks safely is more than just good practice – it’s a regulatory requirement for packaging printers supplying to the food industry. With detailed rules laid out by GFSI-recognised schemes, your ink logistics processes must be structured, documented and traceable. Fortunately, with the right tools and systems in place, compliance becomes a natural part of daily operations.
Further reading on the InkConnection blogsite
Let’s optimise your warehouse
Get in touch with our ink logistics experts or book a demo to see how our software modules can optimise your storage processes from intake to expiry – while supporting safe, hazardless working practices throughout your facility.
