SGS & Co Certification and Why It Matters for Retail Ready Packaging

If you are selling products into major retail chains such as CVS and Walgreens, printer qualification is not optional. It is a mandatory requirement. Retailers rely on consistent, shelf-ready execution across thousands of stores, and packaging performance is a critical part of that expectation. 

National retailers enforce strict packaging certification standards to ensure uniformity across every shelf, store, and distribution center. One of the most widely recognized qualifications is the SGS & Co Certification, previously known as Southern Graphics Systems certification. This certification is specifically designed to qualify printers for high-volume retail packaging programs. 

This article explains what SGS & Co Certification is, why retailers require it, and how Platinum Press supports compliance through independently audited SGS printing, SGS packaging, and qualified packaging and labeling services. 

What Is SGS & Co Certification? 

SGS & Co Certification, formerly issued under Southern Graphics Systems, is an industry-standard packaging certification used by major retailers to evaluate packaging printers. It verifies that printers can deliver consistent color, controlled processes, and repeatable print quality across production runs. 

The certification focuses on SGS printing accuracy, color management systems, process discipline, and documentation. Through independent audits, SGS certification ensures that SGS packaging meets retailer expectations under real-world production conditions. 

For brands selling into national retail environments, working with an SGS & Co-certified printer is often required. This packaging certification reduces variability and protects brand presentation at scale. 

Why Major Retailers Require SGS & Co Certified Printers? 

Retailers such as CVS and Walgreens manage thousands of SKUs across complex distribution networks. In this environment, even small inconsistencies in SGS printing can lead to significant operational issues. 

Color shifts, print defects, or inconsistent execution can delay product acceptance or result in rejected shipments. SGS & Co Certification gives retailers confidence that approved printers can meet strict SGS packaging standards every time. 

By requiring SGS certification, retailers ensure that packaging and labeling services perform consistently across regions, volumes, and production dates. This consistency protects both retailer efficiency and brand integrity. 

What SGS & Co Certification Covers? 

SGS & Co Certification evaluates multiple aspects of a printer’s operation. These include color management systems, documented workflows, inspection controls, and quality assurance practices. 

Printers must demonstrate consistent performance across approved substrates, inks, and printing technologies. SGS printing audits confirm that processes remain controlled throughout production. 

This packaging certification is maintained through recurring audits, not a one-time approval. Ongoing SGS certification ensures that SGS packaging continues to meet evolving retailer standards over time. 

Platinum Press and SGS & Co Certification 

Platinum Press is fully SGS & Co-certified for both lithographic and flexographic printing. This certification confirms that Platinum Press meets the strict SGS printing and SGS packaging standards required by major retail chains. 

Certification is achieved and maintained through independent audits that evaluate color consistency, process discipline, and documentation. These audits reinforce Platinum Press’s commitment to delivering compliant packaging and labeling services for retail distribution. 

By maintaining SGS & Co Certification across multiple print technologies, Platinum Press supports brands with diverse packaging needs while meeting retailer qualification requirements. 

Protecting Your Brand on the Shelf 

Retail packaging is often the first interaction a consumer has with a product. Inconsistent print quality can weaken brand recognition and trust, especially in competitive categories. 

SGS certification helps ensure that packaging remains visually consistent and shelf-ready across every production run. By meeting SGS packaging standards, brands reduce the risk of reprints, rejected shipments, or compliance issues. 

This level of packaging certification protects brand equity while supporting efficient retail execution. 

Why Printer Qualification Matters? 

Choosing a printer that is not SGS & Co certified introduces unnecessary risk when selling into major retail chains. Even compliant products can face delays if packaging does not meet SGS printing standards. 

Retailers increasingly expect qualified packaging and labeling services that align with SGS certification requirements. Printers evaluated under Southern Graphics Systems standards have demonstrated the ability to meet these expectations consistently. 

Working with an SGS & Co-certified printer like Platinum Press ensures that SGS packaging requirements are met from the start. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is SGS & Co Certification, and why do retailers require it 

SGS & Co Certification is a retail-focused packaging certification that qualifies printers based on print accuracy, color consistency, and process control. Retailers require SGS certification to reduce risk, ensure shelf consistency, and maintain reliable SGS packaging performance across all locations. 

2. How is Southern Graphics Systems related to SGS & Co Certification? 

Southern Graphics Systems was the original name associated with the certification program now known as SGS & Co Certification. Many retailers still reference Southern Graphics Systems standards when evaluating SGS printing and printer qualification. 

3. What types of printing are covered under SGS printing audits? 

SGS printing audits evaluate lithographic and flexographic processes, color management, documentation, and inspection systems. The goal is to ensure that SGS packaging performs consistently across substrates, volumes, and production runs. 

4. Why is packaging certification important for retail-ready packaging? 

Packaging certification ensures that packaging meets retailer-defined quality standards before products reach distribution. SGS certification helps prevent inconsistencies that could delay acceptance or disrupt supply chains. 

5. How do packaging and labeling services support SGS certification? 

Qualified packaging and labeling services follow documented workflows, inspection controls, and audit requirements. These services ensure that SGS & Co Certification standards are maintained throughout production. 

6. What happens if a printer is not SGS & Co certified? 

Printers without SGS & Co Certification may face retailer rejection, delayed approvals, or additional audits. Working with an SGS-certified provider reduces these risks and supports smoother retail onboarding.