Operation Clean Sweep (OCS): Together against microplastics in the environment

Microplastics in the environment are one of the biggest ecological problems of our time. Small plastic particles have long since crept into our oceans, rivers and soils, where they jeopardise the ecosystem and the health of humans and animals. The sources of microplastics are manifold, and one of them is the release of plastic pellets – the small pellets or powders from which plastic products are made. This is where the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) initiative comes in, which aims to prevent this type of plastic loss and thus contribute to the reduction of microplastics in the environment.

What is Operation Clean Sweep?

In most countries, Operation Clean Sweep is still a voluntary programme of the plastics industry, which was launched by Plastics Europe, the American Chemistry Council and other international partners. In France, OCS certification is already mandatory and other countries will follow.

The aim of the initiative is to minimise the loss of plastic granulate – whether in the form of pellets, flakes or powder – along the entire value chain. The programme is aimed at all players in plastics production, from manufacturers to transport and processors, and provides measures to prevent plastic particles from entering the environment.

The problem: How does plastic granulate end up in the environment?

Plastic granulate is used in large quantities for the manufacture of plastic products. Losses can occur during the manufacturing process, transport and processing. These losses occur primarily when pellets are spilt during loading, unloading or processing. If it is not properly collected or cleaned, it ends up in the environment – and ultimately in rivers, oceans and other natural habitats.

Once in the environment, plastic degrades very slowly. The tiny particles can enter the food cycle if they are mistakenly ingested by animals as food. Studies show that microplastics can now be found almost everywhere: in drinking water, food and even in the air we breathe.

The objectives and measures of OCS

OCS addresses precisely these problem areas. It provides clear instructions and best practice examples for companies involved in plastics production to prevent the loss of plastic pellets. The most important measures include

1. awareness-raising and training: Companies participating in the OCS programme regularly train their employees in the correct handling of plastic granulate and develop an awareness of the environmental impact of plastic waste.

2. technical measures: To ensure that plastic pellets do not enter the environment unintentionally, technical devices such as interception systems or filters are installed. These prevent pellets from entering drains or open areas.

3. responsible transport: When transporting plastic pellets, safe packaging and clear guidelines ensure that no losses occur during transport.

4. cleanliness in production areas: Regular cleaning processes in production facilities and loading points ensure that spilt granulate is removed quickly and effectively.

5. continuous improvement: companies commit to regularly reviewing and improving their measures in order to best achieve the objectives of Operation Clean Sweep.

Successes and challenges

Since the introduction of the programme, many companies in the plastics industry have adopted the guidelines of Operation Clean Sweep. There are already numerous success stories of companies that have minimised or completely eliminated the loss of plastic pellets. In many countries, companies participating in the OCS programme are seen as role models in terms of environmental protection.

Nevertheless, the challenge remains great: avoiding microplastics requires a global effort, as plastics are produced and traded internationally. OCS is an important step, but the initiative needs to be implemented and monitored more closely worldwide. In addition, voluntary participation is a weakness of the programme – legal framework conditions could increase the pressure on the industry to take even stricter action against the loss of plastic particles.

The future of OCS and the fight against microplastics

The reduction of microplastics requires a variety of measures at all levels – from the industry to the consumer. Operation Clean Sweep is an important part of this solution as it directly addresses a major source of the problem. In combination with other initiatives, such as the ban on single-use plastic or the promotion of recycling, OCS can make a decisive contribution to minimising the amount of plastic entering the environment. In the near future, OCS certification will become mandatory.

Conclusion

Operation Clean Sweep is an excellent example of how the industry can actively take responsibility to prevent the loss of plastic pellets and thus protect the environment from microplastics. However, it is also clear that further efforts are needed to stop the global introduction of microplastics into nature. OCS shows that change is possible – now we need to step up these efforts further and implement them at all levels.