Auraprint wants to ensure that its label solutions meet both food safety and legal requirements. Since Auraprint’s core expertise lies in printing, the need for external consultation arose. This led to a collaboration with Foodwest. Foodwest’s current Development Director, Kaisa Penttilä, has been working with Auraprint for nearly ten years.
"Our cooperation with Auraprint is built on strong trust and open communication, just like all of Foodwest’s operations," says Penttilä.
Auraprint takes customer expectations and needs seriously and strives to respond to current challenges promptly and professionally.
"As a label manufacturer, Auraprint’s primary focus is on its core business. That’s why it’s great that they bring in external expertise as needed to ensure they can provide the best possible service to their customers," Penttilä explains.
Foodwest and Penttilä have assisted Auraprint in preparing compliance certificates, supporting internal audits, and training Auraprint's staff.
"We understand the requirements of the food industry and what they expect from labels. We follow food legislation and its changes and provide practical tools to help companies meet the requirements," says Penttilä.
Developing Internal Audits Together
Penttilä has been involved in developing Auraprint’s internal audits.
"Auraprint asked me to participate in internal audits, which involve reviewing the company’s processes and systems. Initially, I acted as an internal auditor myself, but soon we started training Auraprint’s own internal auditors. This process has continued to evolve through close collaboration," she explains.
Certifications Validate Progress and Commitment to Safety
Auraprint is a development-oriented company that seeks to incorporate the latest technology and be a frontrunner in its industry.
"It has been great to see how Auraprint takes initiative and moves forward systematically, following the principles of continuous improvement. It’s a pleasure to work with them," Penttilä praises.
At the end of 2023, Auraprint decided to implement the ISO 22000 food safety management system. Penttilä was invited as an expert to support the project through training sessions, reviews, and workshops. The pre-audit has now been completed, and the final certification audits will take place in January 2025.
"Auraprint recognizes the potential of the food industry and wants to assure its customers that food safety is managed systematically. The new requirements have been well understood and effectively communicated within the organization," says Penttilä.
ISO 22000 brings visible changes to Auraprint’s operations.
"For example, hygienic protective clothing, hair coverings, and hygiene guidelines have been implemented in production under the guidance of the HACCP team," Penttilä lists.
Auraprint Leading the Way in Sustainable Labels for the Food Industry
New sustainability requirements from the EU are emerging, and these are also reflected in discussions with Auraprint’s customers. Many are particularly interested in the carbon footprint of their products.
"Auraprint has been calculating carbon footprints using the Climate Calc software for several years now, and this information is already provided to customers during the quotation phase," Penttilä explains.
She is pleased that Auraprint is taking concrete steps toward sustainability. The certified ISO 14001 system brings clear environmental objectives that are monitored and acted upon accordingly.
"Auraprint is a highly environmentally conscious organization and strives to incorporate sustainability into all its operations. The solar panels on the factory roof are a great example of this," Penttilä remarks.
Expertise in Food Safety and Labeling Materials
Penttilä, who holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, previously worked in plastic material development. Quality management and various management systems have been integral to her career, making her expertise highly relevant to her work with Auraprint.
"My background in chemical engineering provides a solid foundation for discussions on label structures and properties, whether it’s adhesives, coatings, printing inks, plastics, or other materials," she reflects.
Penttilä joined Foodwest 12 years ago and specializes in food safety. In addition to client projects, she serves as a team leader for Foodwest’s experts and as a member of the management team.
"My work is incredibly diverse and dynamic. Working with Auraprint has been rewarding for me as well—we’ve had great team spirit from the very beginning," she says.
As the EU continues to demand more sustainability initiatives from companies, Foodwest is already looking ahead. According to Penttilä, the growing emphasis on sustainability and new corporate reporting requirements will significantly impact companies operating in Finland in the coming years.
"Auraprint has long incorporated sustainability into its operations, providing a strong foundation for further development. I see sustainability as a major future trend," Penttilä predicts.
Exporting plays a crucial role in Finland’s economy, and Penttilä believes Auraprint also has an important contribution to make in this area.
"Auraprint supports the growth of Finnish food exports with high-quality labeling solutions. Labels and stickers play a significant role in food packaging, and Auraprint can provide both sustainable and cost-effective solutions," Penttilä concludes.