The increasing pollution of the environment by microplastics is a global problem

The increasing pollution of the environment by microplastics is a global problem that affects nature as well as human and animal health. An often overlooked source of microplastics are losses of plastic pellets – also known as plastic pellets – used in plastic production. To combat this problem, the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) initiative was launched. It aims to minimise the loss of plastic pellets along the entire supply chain and thus reduce the entry of microplastics into the environment.

What is Operation Clean Sweep?

In most countries, Operation Clean Sweep is still a voluntary programme developed by the international plastics industry. In France, OCS certification is already mandatory.

The initiative offers concrete measures and training for companies to prevent the unintentional loss of plastic pellets, powders and flakes during production, transport and processing. Plastics Europe and the American Chemistry Council are among the leading organisations supporting the programme.

The main goal of OCS is to ensure that no plastic pellets are released into the environment, which helps to prevent the formation of microplastics in rivers, oceans and on land. Companies participating in the OCS programme are committed to applying best practices to prevent the leakage of plastic materials.

The measures taken by OCS

Operation Clean Sweep offers a range of best practices to help companies minimise plastic pellet losses. These include:

1. create awareness: Companies are encouraged to raise their employees’ awareness of the environmental impact of plastic pellet losses and to offer training courses on how to handle these materials correctly.

2. loss prevention: Technical devices such as collection systems, special filter systems and improved cleaning processes ensure that plastic pellets do not escape into the environment.

3. safe transport and storage: OCS promotes the introduction of safe loading and transport methods to prevent losses during storage and transport. This includes the use of suitable packaging and measures to prevent leaks.

4. continuous improvement: Companies are encouraged to continuously review and improve their processes to ensure that new techniques and technologies are used to minimise pellet losses.

5. regular cleaning: Production facilities are encouraged to clean up spilled granules immediately and implement cleaning schedules to reduce the risk of contamination.

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

Successes of Operation Clean Sweep

Since the introduction of OCS, numerous companies in the plastics industry have joined the programme. The successes are encouraging: many participating companies have been able to significantly reduce or even eliminate their plastic waste. The positive effect is particularly evident in the production facilities and neighbouring areas, where fewer plastic particles are released into the environment.

OCS has also developed into a global programme that has been adopted by plastics manufacturers and processors worldwide. By voluntarily participating and implementing the OCS guidelines, these companies are leading the way in the fight against microplastic pollution.

Challenges and the way forward

Despite the successes of OCS, the prevention of microplastics remains a major challenge. The voluntary nature of the programme means that not all companies are obliged to participate. In addition, the global nature of plastics production and processing requires close co-operation between different countries and industries.

To further strengthen the impact of Operation Clean Sweep, additional incentives or legal frameworks could be created to encourage more companies to participate at . The continuous development of technical solutions and training programmes also remains crucial to accelerate progress in the fight against microplastics.

Conclusion: A joint step towards a cleaner environment

Operation Clean Sweep is a crucial step in the global fight against microplastics. By helping companies to minimise the loss of plastic pellets, it contributes directly to the reduction of plastic pollution in the oceans and on land. The initiative shows that the industry is able to take responsibility and take concrete action to protect the environment.

But there is still a long way to go. It requires cooperation between companies, governments and society to effectively combat the spread of microplastics. For the future, programmes such as OCS must be further expanded and combined with other initiatives in order to achieve long-term change.

Ultimately, Operation Clean Sweep shows that change is possible when we work together for a cleaner and healthier environment – without compromising on industrial efficiency.