Constantia Teich Austria earns highest AA+ rating in unannounced BRC audit

Imagine arriving at work on a regular day and learning that one of the industry's most demanding audits has just started. That is exactly what happened at Constantia Teich Austria this summer.

Unlike many audits that are planned months in advance, the BRC Packaging Audit arrives without warning. The auditor can appear at any time, registers at reception, and must begin reviewing production activities within the first 30 minutes. There is no time for special preparations or last-minute clean-ups. The site is assessed exactly as it operates every day.

And that is precisely what makes the result so remarkable.  

Following the three-day audit, Constantia Teich Austria achieved the highest possible rating: AA+.

The BRC Packaging standard is one of the most widely recognized certifications in the packaging industry and a requirement in many customer contracts. It evaluates much more than product quality alone. Auditors assess production processes, workplace organization, food and product safety culture, shift handovers, procurement procedures, quality systems, documentation, and the overall ability of a site to consistently meet demanding standards.

This year's audit took place in the middle of the summer holiday season, adding another layer of complexity. Despite reduced staffing levels and the challenges that come with the vacation period, teams across the site demonstrated their readiness, flexibility, and professionalism.

Particular thanks go to colleagues from UV1, Extruder 1, and the Slitting Department, who participated in audit sessions at short notice and provided valuable insights into daily operations. Their openness, expertise, and commitment helped demonstrate how quality and product safety are embedded in everyday work.

One of the most interesting aspects of an unannounced audit is that it tests far more than procedures. It shows whether a site's standards are truly part of the culture. Are workstations organized? Are responsibilities clear? Can teams respond effectively when key people are absent? Are processes followed consistently, every day, not only during audit week? To our colleagues at Constantia Teich Austria the answer was clear.

Achieving AA+ is not the result of three successful audit days. It is the result of hundreds of days of preparation, discipline, teamwork, and attention to detail across the entire site.  

Congratulations to everyone at Constantia Teich Austria on this outstanding achievement and thank you for contributing to the strong quality and product safety culture that made it possible.