Industry launches development of European certification scheme for the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) programme
Zero pellet losses. Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) is a global initiative of the plastics industry born precisely for this purpose: prevent the unintentional release of plastic particles into the environment, whether in the form of pellets, flakes, or dust. The loss of pellets can occur at any stage of the value chain: production, handling, transport, processing, and recycling.
But the promoters of the programme themselves want to take it one step further. The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) – the European association of plastics converters – and Plastics Europe – the association representing producers of plastic raw materials – have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly develop a certification system by 2022. This means that companies adhering to the OCS will be able to be periodically audited by accredited third parties to verify whether they comply with the conditions of the programme.
Spain has 235 facilities adhering to the OCS programme
In Spain, the licensee of the programme is the Spanish Plastics Industry Association (ANAIP), pioneering the implementation of OCS certifications scheme at a national level. Therefore, it participates in working groups that develop the European certification scheme to provide input based on its experience, and in collaboration with the Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification (AENOR).
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The OCS initiative is implemented in 235 facilities in Spain and 12 of them are already certified by AENOR. This shows the degree of commitment and responsibility of the national industry to this objective of preventing the loss of pellets and raising awareness among workers to search for solutions to avoid releasing these pellets into the environment. By signing up to the programme, the company recognises the importance of this action and commits to implementing the necessary measures.
Plastics Europe also participates in this project in Spain, encouraging the different members of the supply chain to follow the programme and supporting ANAIP in the promotion of the project and providing of information.
