Most plastic consumer products are made from small plastic pellets the size of a small sunflower seed (without the shell). Plastic makers have developed an innovative program called “Operation Clean Sweep” to help keep these pellets where they belong – in factories, trucks and railcars and out of the natural environment.  Every segment of the plastics industry has a role to play—including resin producers, transporters, bulk terminal operators, recyclers and plastics processors—by implementing good housekeeping and pellet, flake, and powder containment practices.

The latest resource that showcases members’ achievements has officially been launched! The 2024 Global Impact Report highlights the achievements for each Operation Clean Sweep^® (OCS), the world’s largest industry-led stewardship program to prevent plastic resin loss in operations. Established in 1991 by Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), OCS has been administered in partnership by PLASTICS and the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division (ACC) since 2004. International expansion of OCS began in 2010 and continues to expand today with membership across more than 65 countries with over 5,000 companies participating worldwide.

Today there are 21 active International OCS Programs spanning 6 continents. Each program enables companies to commit to the core OCS Pledge but also brings unique qualities to their geographic and cultural contexts.  In South Africa alone 18 major organisations are active OCS members.  More information in the South African context can be found here.

This resource will be invaluable in showcasing the collective commitment to preventing plastic resin loss in operations.