What does Operation Clean Sweep mean for plastic producing and processing companies?
Is your organization involved in producing, transporting or processing plastics? If so, you are increasingly faced with stricter requirements related to pellet loss. These requirements do not focus so much on waste streams, but rather on processes within production, processing, storage and transport. What does this mean in practice?
Zero pellet loss as a starting point
European regulations require companies to take measures to prevent plastic pellets from entering the environment. This applies to all organizations working with plastic pellets, flakes or granulate.
In practice, this requires attention to how plastic raw materials are received, stored, processed and transported. It involves practical measures, but also clear agreements and defined responsibilities within the organization.
Operation Clean Sweep in practice
Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) is a voluntary certification scheme that helps plastic producing, transporting and processing companies to demonstrably organize zero pellet loss.
Implementing OCS mainly requires documenting procedures, increasing awareness among employees and management, and clearly assigning responsibilities. This makes it clear how an organization manages the prevention of pellet loss.
Alignment with other requirements and certifications
Operation Clean Sweep does not stand alone. In practice, Kiwa experts see that OCS is often linked to broader questions around demonstrable compliance and supply chain responsibility.
RecyClass is an example of a relevant certification scheme within the plastics sector. Developed by Plastics Recyclers Europe, this scheme focuses on traceability, process control and recyclability of plastic products. Both certifications complement each other well.
What does this require from your organization?
The steps required depend on your role in the value chain and the materials you work with. Our experts can provide guidance and support the process. This forms the basis for determining which measures and certifications are relevant for your organization.
Want to learn more?
Would you like more insight into the impact of regulations around zero pellet loss and Operation Clean Sweep for your business? Discover OCS!