PCPC partners with SAI Global on assessment program for cosmetic products
Called the Personal Care Manufacturing Assessment Program (PCMAP), it has been developed to help cosmetic and personal care companies through the sometimes complex route that has to be taken in order for manufacturers and suppliers to comply with the practices.
The program has been based on the industry recognized international standard ISO 22716 Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices, which provides specific references concerning the manufacturing process.
Focusing on core manufacturing processes
This refers specifically to a broad spectrum of manufacturing processes that include the production, control, storage and shipment of newly produced cosmetic and personal care products.
The PCPC also claims that its program is unique because it incorporates key elements of ISO 9001, the standard to ensure manufacturing standards and quality, as well as including multiple risk level categories to enable suppliers to be evaluated according to risk levels.
The program has been built around the principal of quality by involving quality assurance leaders from all aspects of the industry to make it as relevant as possible, while making it relevant to quality standards.
Focusing on the dreaded audits!
Another key area that the program will focus on will be audits, a business function that often leads to resource overload and increased expenses, especially when not managed correctly.
"Audit fatigue is a serious issue for personal care manufacturing facilities. These audits cost time and money for both the company being audited and its customers," said Joanne Nikitakis, senior cosmetic Chemist at the PCPC, and also project leader for PCMAP.
The initial drive to educate the industry on program elements and train program auditors will be launched by SAI Global in December of 2011, while a pilot scheme is due to be carried out to assess the PCMAP, with a view to rolling it out in January 2012.
