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EQIPT Course Outline


The Evaluators' Qualification in Packaging Technology (EQIPT) was originally developed in 2001 to meet the needs of auditors who did not have a primary packaging qualification but who wished to audit companies for the BRC/IOP’s standard for food packaging materials.  The standard is now in its fourth edition and includes packaging for other products as well as food and drink.

 

There are also a series of other packaging standards that have been developed as alternatives to the BRC/IOP for example FSSC 22000.  All these require that auditors have adequate packaging knowledge to be able to audit effectively and EQIPT can also be used for these additional standards.  See Appendix 1.

 

EQIPT has been submitted to the World Packaging Organisation for recognition as appropriate for packaging auditors. 

 

The EQIPT course is designed to provide auditors, who do not hold a recognised primary packaging qualification for example the PIABC Diploma in Packaging Technology  with sufficient knowledge of packaging and related processes, to enable them to apply the appropriate rigour to the packaging-manufacturing environment whilst performing an audit. 

 

This is the latest revision of the course developed by The IOM3 Training Academy and endorsed by the The Packaging Society (see  http://www.iom3.org/content/eqipt The qualification is quality assured by PIABC www.piabc.org.uk which is recognised as an awarding body in the UK by the UK Government’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL).

 

How is EQIPT obtained?

The course and qualification have two parts. First a core which is taught in the traditional classroom manner and is examined by a two-hour written examination. Secondly, two online option units out of a total of four. Each covers a specific packaging material and is examined by a 2.000 word assignment. Auditors need to pass the core and at least the option unit in the material they wish to audit.

Auditors wishing to take more than two online options can do so, but there is an additional charge for each additional unit.

 

Aim

To assist auditors without a formal technical packaging qualification, meet the requirements for qualifications and training set out in the protocol to the Standard.

 

Training Objectives

  • To provide a brief background and overview to packaging standards  
  • To provide a thorough understanding of the manufacturing and converting of packaging materials, methods, processes and practices which will inform the work of packaging auditors
  • In particular, to provide an understanding of the possible problems inherent in manufacturing and converting packaging materials and their implications for the quality, hygiene and safety of the packed product in the market place.
  • To provide confidence to packaging companies under evaluation and certification bodies that the auditor is competent in packaging technology and has a level of familiarity with the packaging industry.

 

Auditors of the BRC/IOP Standard must also attend a BRC/IOP Global Packaging Standard awareness-training course. These may be run to follow the EQIPT course. For more details see www.brc.org.uk

 

Syllabus

The course is based on the syllabus of the Diploma in Packaging Technology and the auditing requirements of the Global Standard.

 

Core Units – Fundamentals and principles of packaging:

  • Background to packaging standards
  • Overview of Packaging Industry
  • Introduction to packaging 
  • Packaging materials
  • Introduction to print
  • Packaging Conversion processes
  • Quality standards
  • Legislation

Option Unit 1 - Glass Packaging

  • Types of container, properties, design, quality standards, defects, risks

 

Option Unit 2 - Plastics Packaging

  • Types of plastics, rigid and flexible. Plastics manufacturing techniques, materials, forming methods, quality defects and risks

 

Option Unit 3 – Paper, Paperboard, Corrugated and Wood Packaging

  • Manufacture, qualities, testing, decoration methods, corrugated boards, transit properties, adhesives, quality issues

 

Option Unit 4 – Metal Packaging

  • Two/three piece can making, containers and closures (steel and aluminium) extrusion, coatings, decoration, flexible metal foil foils

 

For each of the optional units,quality, hygiene and safety factors which may compromise theperformance of the finished packed product in the market place will beconsidered. This includes performance of packaging materials in storageand distribution to the packer/filler, on the packaging line, andduring storage, distribution, sale and consumer use of the packedproduct and disposal of the packaging material. Study of each material and process will include all stages from supply of raw materials to theshipment of finished materials to the packer/filler.

 

A copy of the course outline can be downloaded from the link below.

 

Applying for this course

Download the registration form below.

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EQIPT Course Outline 2012 - 060112.doc228.5 KB
Registration Form EQIPT Course, London, April and Sept 2012.doc109 KB