Halal packaging is critical for maintaining the integrity of halal products. Even if a food, medicine, nutraceutical, or a cosmetic is produced with all halal ingredients, its status can be compromised by the very packaging that contains it.
In fact, if a halal product comes into contact with any non-halal material (for example, packaging that contains animal fat or other impure substances), the product is no longer considered halal by consumers.
In this guide, we will explore the essential halal certification requirements for packaging manufacturers, covering acceptable materials, production process compliance, alongside storage and transportation guidelines.
Major Halal Certification Requirements for Packaging
According to globally acceptable Islamic dietary laws, below are the key halal certification requirements for the packaging industry:
- No Haram Substances: Packaging materials must not contain any haram (forbidden) components. This means absolutely no use of pig-derived materials or non-halal animal byproducts, and avoidance of alcoholic ingredients in inks, adhesives, coatings, etc.
- Prevention of Cross-Contamination: Halal-certified packaging operations must be completely separated from any haram materials. Production, handling, storage, and transport of packaging should be carried out in a way that prevents any contact or contamination with non-halal substances. For example, a halal-certified packaging facility must segregate halal material production runs from any conventional runs that might use questionable ingredients, or use dedicated equipment (or rigorous cleaning protocols) to avoid carry-over contamination.
Material Requirements for Halal-Compliant Packaging
To obtain halal certification, packaging manufacturers must carefully select and control all materials used in their products. The materials, from plastics and papers to inks and adhesives must meet halal criteria.
Below are the guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable materials, sources of contamination to watch for, and notes on using sustainable materials:
Acceptable Materials for Halal Packaging
| Material Type | Details |
| Common Packaging Substrates | Materials like plastic resins (polyethylene, polypropylene, PET), paper, cardboard, glass, and metal foils are generally acceptable. Ethanol used in production must be fully removed from the final product. |
| Natural Additives | Natural additives from halal sources (plant oils, halal animal by-products from properly slaughtered animals) are permissible. Synthetically produced materials are halal as long as they are free from impure (najis) substances. |
| Sustainable & Bio-Based Materials | Bioplastics (corn, sugarcane), cellulose films, bamboo, and hemp packaging are generally halal if all processing aids meet halal standards. Aligns with Islamic principles of environmental stewardship. |
Non-Acceptable Materials for Halal Packaging
| Material Type | Details |
| Animal-Derived Components | Animal-derived materials such as gelatin or collagen in glues, tallow or lard in lubricants/additives, and bone charcoal in filters are haram unless sourced from halal-slaughtered animals. |
| Alcohol and Intoxicants | Industrial-grade alcohols (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol) used in inks, coatings, or solvents must evaporate completely. Any residual alcohol or pig-derived emulsifiers make the packaging non-halal. |
| Impure Chemicals or Additives | Plastic additives like stearates (if derived from pork fat), pigments, inks, and dyes containing animal-based glycerins or shellac (unless from halal sources) must be avoided. |
| Halal Critical Control Points | AHF requires strict checks on inks, coatings, adhesives, and colorants to ensure they contain no haram content. Any traces of najis impurities (e.g., pork DNA, blood residue) render packaging non-halal. |
Packaging manufacturers are advised to source bio-based inks and coatings (like soy-based inks or water-based coatings) which tend to be free of animal ingredients and safer. Recycled materials can be used if they are known to come from halal-compatible sources and are cleaned (for instance, recycled paper or plastic can be halal, but caution is needed if the recycling stream might include haram contaminants).
Production Process Compliance
Meeting halal certification requirements isn’t just about what materials you use, it’s also about how you produce and handle the packaging. Packaging manufacturers must implement strict production processes to prevent any cross-contamination or impurity during manufacturing. Key aspects of process compliance include:
1. Thorough Cleaning and Sanitization:
The production line and all equipment must be kept ritually and hygienically clean. AHF defines cleanliness as being completely free from najis (filth/impurities), which includes substances like blood, pork residue, or other contaminants.
This means manufacturers should have robust sanitation standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place. Before producing halal packaging (especially if the facility also handled non-halal materials in the past), machinery and contact surfaces should be cleansed of any residues.
Typically, this involves washing with appropriate cleaning agents and rinsing thoroughly so that no traces of haram substances remain. Cleaning agents themselves should ideally be halal (for example, using alcohol-free cleaners or ensuring any solvents evaporate with no trace).
2. Dedicated or Segregated Production Lines:
For high risk facilities, to prevent cross-contamination, halal guidelines recommend either using dedicated halal-only production lines or strict scheduling and cleaning controls if lines are shared.
Equipment that comes into direct contact with packaging (mixing vats for coatings, print rollers, conveyor belts, etc.) should not be used for haram (forbidden) materials unless absolutely necessary, and if they are, they require rigorous cleaning as noted. Ideally, a plant will segregate the handling of halal-compliant materials from any non-halal inventory.
For example, if a factory also produces packaging that uses a pig-based adhesive, that production should be done in a different area or time slot, with full cleanup before any halal materials are introduced.
Insight:
Many AHF halal-certified facilities establish clear zones: a “halal zone” in the plant where only approved materials enter and only halal-run machinery operates. Where dedicated equipment or areas are not possible, manufacturers must implement measures like flushing or purging lines between runs, using separate utensils and tools, and providing interim cleaning.
3. Preventing Human Cross-Contamination:
Employee practices in the production area are also important. Workers should be trained not to inadvertently introduce contaminants. Good manufacturing practices, such as wearing clean uniforms, hairnets, and gloves, help maintain hygiene and prevent any foreign substances from contaminating packaging.
Halal Certification Process for Packaging Manufacturers
Obtaining halal certification involves a structured process. Below is an overview of the steps to become AHF halal-certified:
Step 1: Initial Application and Qualification:
The journey begins with completing an online application to get qualified for halal certification. AHF’s technical team will review the preliminary application to see if the products qualify for halal certification on the face of it (for instance, checking that no blatantly haram materials are present)
If the initial review is positive, AHF will prepare a Halal Certification Agreement. This agreement outlines the scope of certification (which products and facilities are covered), the responsibilities of each party, the audit schedule, and the fee structure for the certification program
Tip:
When applying, be thorough and transparent about everything in your product and supply chain. If something is questionable, disclose it – AHF might be able to suggest solutions rather than discovering it later. Once the agreement is in place, the certification moves forward.
Step 2: Documentation Audit (Desk Audit):
After the agreement, AHF will conduct a documentation audit. This is essentially a review of all the paperwork and records related to your product and processes. The manufacturer will need to submit comprehensive documentation, often including:
- lists of all raw materials
- ingredients
- process flow diagrams
- sanitization procedures
- halal policy manual
AHF’s technical specialists evaluate whether everything on paper meets the halal standards. They look at two main areas: Products (every ingredient or material must be verified halal, or else replaced/removed) and Production Facility (the capability of the facility to consistently produce halal packaging)
Step 3: Facility Audit (On-Site Inspection and Training):
Once the documentation is satisfactory, AHF will schedule an on-site audit of the facility. An auditor (or team) from AHF will visit the manufacturing plant to verify that what was described in documents is indeed implemented in practice. The facility audit usually has a training component and a physical inspection component.
Any non-compliance observed (a “non-conformance”) will be noted. Usually, the company is given a chance to correct minor issues even during the audit (like immediately removing a non-halal item from a halal area, etc.). Major issues might require a follow-up audit. Preparation for this stage:
Step 4: Certification and Approval:
If the facility audit is successful (i.e., any findings were resolved and AHF is satisfied that the packaging meets all criteria), AHF will grant halal certification for the products. The company will receive a formal Halal Certificate listing the certified packaging products and the facility
Get in Touch With AHF!
For packaging manufacturers seeking halal certification, the American Halal Foundation (AHF) provides expert guidance and support throughout the certification process.
Contact Information:
- Email: info@halalfoundation.org
- Phone: +1 (630) 759-4981
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is halal certification important for packaging manufacturers?
Halal certification ensures that packaging materials do not compromise the halal integrity of food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or other certified products. Many halal product manufacturers now require their packaging to be halal-certified to maintain full compliance.
2. What materials are prohibited in halal packaging?
Non-halal animal derivatives (gelatin, tallow, lard), alcohol-based inks or adhesives, and any substances classified as najis (impure) under Islamic law are prohibited.
3. Can recycled materials be used for halal-certified packaging?
Yes, but only if they come from halal-compatible sources and undergo thorough cleaning to remove any contamination risks. Manufacturers must verify the origin of recycled materials.
4. What is a halal critical control point (HCCP) in packaging?
HCCPs in packaging include segregation of halal and non-halal materials, ensuring halal-compliant adhesives and coatings, and preventing cross-contamination during production and storage.
5. How long does the halal certification process take?
The certification process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the materials and manufacturing processes.
6. How often do halal-certified packaging manufacturers need to renew their certification?
Halal certification is valid for one to three years, depending on the scope you pursue. .
7. Can AHF halal-certified packaging be used for exports?
Yes, AHF certification is recognized worldwide, allowing manufacturers to supply halal-certified packaging for international markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, and beyond.
8. What happens if a product fails to meet halal certification requirements?
If non-compliance is found, AHF provides corrective action recommendations. The company must resolve the issue before certification can be granted or renewed.
9. How can I apply for halal certification with AHF?
You can apply online through the AHF website by filling out an application form and submitting the required documentation for an initial review.
Backed by more than 60+ years of combined experience in global halal standards and practices, the Halal Foundation Editorial Team is dedicated to delivering insightful, accurate, and practical content that empowers businesses and consumers to navigate the halal landscape.
