Ring Container Technologies is proud to announce that Corey Chapman, Ring’s Operations Improvement Manager, has accepted a nomination to join the Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQFI) Technical Advisory Council (TAC). Corey will be the first representative from the food packaging industry to serve in this prestigious role, reflecting Ring’s leadership in advancing food safety standards.
A seat at the table
The TAC is a distinguished group of food safety experts representing a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including consultants, trainers, certification bodies, accreditation bodies, retailers, restaurants, foodservice providers, farms, and manufacturers. Members advise on key issues related to SQF Code development, training, certification guidelines, and implementation challenges. They serve three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms, and are asked to assess proposed changes, provide real-world feedback and guidance, and help set parameters for future editions of the SQF food safety code.
The council is integral to the success of the SQF Program, a globally recognized food safety standard benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). With more than 14,000 certified sites in 40 countries, SQFI certifies the highest standards of food safety and quality worldwide.
As a member of the TAC, Corey will help shape the future of food safety by reviewing the SQF Code and supporting documents and endorsing SQFI staff proposals. Additionally, TAC members provide guidance on the application of the SQF Code, influence the development of training materials, certification requirements, and audit processes, and appoint technical sub-committees as needed.
Deep roots in food safety advancement
Ring has been involved with SQFI since 2014, and this appointment represents a natural progression of the company’s longstanding partnership with the entity. Over the years, Ring has helped make the code more applicable and accessible to food packaging manufacturers, as early SQF standards were primarily designed for food production.
Ring has consistently gathered feedback from its plants and shared recommendations with SQFI, many of which have been incorporated into editions of the code. In fact, Ring has directly contributed to three consecutive SQF Code editions through technical working groups, currently playing a leading role in the development of Edition 10, specifically Part A, Modules 2 and 13, and food safety culture.
Corey was also selected to co-present Edition 10 Part A updates at the SQF Unites conference, where he addressed an audience of more than 500 industry professionals. Corey has participated in SQF Unites conference committees, helping shape conference topics, set agendas, select speakers, and moderate the packaging knowledge swaps. Moreover, Ring staff have attended the SQF Unites conference annually since 2016, sending cross-functional teams from multiple plants to collaborate, learn, and help shape the conversation around packaging and food safety.
Ring’s representation reflects a broader industry shift – one that recognizes the role of packaging as an essential contributor to food safety, not just a supporting player. It also ensures that packaging industry professionals have a voice in shaping the future of food safety practices on a global scale.
Looking ahead
This appointment underscores Ring Container Technologies’ ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of the food supply. All Ring facilities are SQF certified, with a companywide average score of 98 over the past five years.
We see this work not as an obligation, but as a reflection of how Ring has always operated: with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, innovation, and reliability. This is the way we do business.
We look forward to the positive impact this will have on the TAC and the continued collaboration between Ring and SQFI as the industry moves forward. Learn more about Ring’s dedication to food safety and why leading brands can rely on us at www.ringcontainer.com.
