In this article, learn about:
Sysco’s packaging requirements and compliance standards
The packaging approval process from product setup to distribution
Materials Sysco is phasing out as part of its sustainability efforts
Sysco is a distributor in the foodservice industry, operating 320+ distribution centers and serving 650,000+ customers worldwide. Sysco services a wide range of industries, with customers spanning:
Restaurants
Healthcare and Senior Living
Higher Education
Government
Food Service Management
Travel
Leisure
Retail
Suppliers distributing products through Sysco follow the distributor’s standards and compliance requirements to ensure consistent quality, smooth distribution, and customer satisfaction.
In this article, you’ll learn the packaging requirements that Sysco outlines for suppliers.
Related Reading: Sysco Shipping Compliance
Sysco Packaging Overview
All packaging for Sysco must meet brand, regulatory, and QA standards. Before getting into the details, it’s important to know the key roles and businesses at play in the packaging process:
Acronym | Term | Role |
SMS | Sysco Merchandising Services Product Manager | Works with suppliers on product setup, confirms product names, and communicates product details for QA database entry. |
QA Database | Quality Assurance Database | Audits and approves production facilities, reviews and approves product specifications, and ensures regulatory compliance. |
PQM | Program Quality Manager | Reviews QA specifications, requests revisions, grants “QA Approved” status, and coordinates with suppliers and SGS. |
SGS | SGS International | Sysco’s approved vendor for developing all new and revised packaging artwork, delivering plate-ready art files, and offering printing plate services. |
SUPC | Sysco Vendor Product Code | Unique identifier for Sysco products used in packaging specs, dielines, and material tracking. |
Packaging Guidelines
In general, Sysco does not allow any co-branding on any packaging. For example, a supplier may not include any marketing QR codes on the packaging. In addition, any claims or certifications about the product that are made on packaging must be accurate and validated. Packaging must also be created in facilities approved by Sysco.
In addition to these overarching rules, it’s the responsibility of each supplier to ensure the packaging labels and artwork meet all federal, state, and local regulations. For example, the FDA requires that food labels include accurate ingredient statements, nutrition facts, and allergen disclosures, among other things.
Artwork
Sysco has strict guidelines for any artwork used on packaging. All artwork must follow Sysco’s creation process, or the supplier risks having to redo it and covering any associated costs. Sysco also has a thorough Quality Assurance (QA) process to review and approve packaging artwork before it can be used.
Images
In some instances, Sysco may require that a supplier use images on the packaging. This can be in the form of simple line art used on exterior shippers or photography images used on interior packaging. Regardless of the type, if a supplier submits images for the creation of artwork, these images become the property of Sysco, and the supplier must sign a graphic ownership release.
Materials
Sysco provides guidance on the type of packaging suppliers should use, in addition to packaging materials that are banned or should be avoided to accommodate Sysco’s sustainability efforts.
Sysco Sustainability Efforts
Sysco is actively working to reduce packaging waste across its supply chain. Part of this effort includes phasing out what Sysco refers to as “problematic materials” in packaging.
Sysco has a 4-step process for suppliers to phase out unsustainable materials commonly used in packaging:
Discontinue—materials that suppliers should phase out completely.
Transition—materials that suppliers should look for alternatives for.
Maintain—materials suppliers can continue using.
Accelerate—materials that suppliers should prioritize.
Please note that some materials are listed in multiple columns, such as expanded polystyrene in Discontinue and Transition. This is because the material should be completely discontinued in markets where it is banned, and where it isn’t banned, suppliers should start looking for an alternative.
Discontinue | Transition | Maintain | Accelerate |
Expanded polystyrene (where banned) | Expanded polystyrene | Mono flexible films | Kraft corrugate |
PFAS (where banned) | Polyethylene terephthalate glycol | Transparent PET and HDPE | Wood pulp fiber and sugarcane bagasse |
White Corrugate | Uncertified compostable or biodegradable plastics | Polypropylene | High recycled materials |
| Black and brightly colored plastics | Tetra Bak and other multi-layer cartons | Reusable/refillable containers |
| Paperboard laminated and waxed or siliconized paper/corrugate | Glass | Third-party certifications |
| White and colored corrugate | Compostable plastics | Recycling instructions on packaging |
| Multi-material rigids and films (including overwrap) | Steel and aluminum | Mono material design when possible |
| Direct printing that covers more than 50% of package surface |
| Maximum lightweighting and less than 30% headspace |
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| Laser marking for product labels |
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| Minimal components |
Packaging Process
Step 1: Provide SMS with Product Information
To initiate the process, the supplier will provide Sysco Merchandising Services (SMS) Product Manager with the necessary product information (description, certifications, product claims, etc.).
Once the item is created, the SMS Product Manager will give the supplier:
Product attributes
Name of the product
Codes for the Sysco QA Spec Database
Step 2: Submit Product Specs QA Database
Once the supplier receives the product specs from the SMS Product Manager, the supplier must then enter all the product information into the QA Database. The supplier must also designate the spec status as either “New” or “Re-submittal” after adding the info to the database.
Sysco’s Program Quality Manager (PQM) will then review all the product information and either mark the status as “QA Approved” or notify the supplier of any required changes.
Step 3: Develop Packaging Art
The supplier must work with SGS International to develop all new and/or revised packaging artwork. Suppliers are responsible for all associated costs, which SGS invoices directly.
To avoid delays, the supplier should contact SGS as early as possible and promptly provide any required information. After the final review and approval of artwork files, SGS will deliver a plate-ready art file to the supplier.
Suppliers should be prepared to provide SGS with the following information:
Contact information
Supplier contact info (primary and secondary)
Contact for all packaging material printers
Specifications for packaging material printer
List of all packaging types
List of all substrates by SUPC
Dieline template of packaging structures (use .al or .eps file formats)
Include measurements for label areas and designated “no-print” zones on dielines
Purchase order
Note: Suppliers should make sure to notify SGS when the products are in “QA Approved” status to avoid delays.
Step 4: Produce and Distribute
Once the first three steps are complete, the supplier moves into production and distribution. The supplier must procure the necessary printing plates. Sysco recommends using SGS for plate creation to help streamline the process.
Ultimately, the supplier is responsible for completing all aspects of packaging material production and ensuring the timely distribution of the finished product.
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