Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) began an education effort in the early 1990s to reduce pellet loss by polymer producers, transporters, bulk terminal operators and plastics processors. A number of public service materials under the name of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) were developed and disseminated to companies nationwide. The message was simple: polymer pellets should be contained, reclaimed and/or disposed of properly. It’s now time to refocus our industry on this problem and to expand the OCS initiative to solve it.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and PLASTICS have worked together on a revitalized OCS program to strengthen efforts to educate and change behavior in the plastics industry with a goal of zero pellet, flake and powder loss. To extend these efforts to the GCC region, GPCA is excited to champion Operation Clean Sweep in the region to showcase its commitment to a clean environment and encourage our members to join global efforts to prevent pellet loss.

GPCA will act as the sole owner of the Operation Clean Sweep® trademark in the GCC region, allowing our members to join the program by signing a company or an employee’s pledge. We hereby pledge our commitment to implement the program in the region and invite our members to join us in this exciting journey.

Every segment of the industry – whether polymer producers, transporters, bulk terminal operators or plastics processors – has a role to play in eliminating polymer pellet, flake and powder loss. The OCS materials are designed to provide maximum utility for all types of plastic handling and transporting operations.

1. Commit to making zero pellet, flake and powder loss a priority.
2. Assess your company’s situation and needs.
3. Make necessary upgrades in facilities and equipment as appropriate.
4. Raise employee awareness and create accountability.
5. Follow up and enforce procedures – when management cares, employees will too.

Commitment by everyone in every company, from top management to shop floor employees, is essential to eliminating pellet, flake and powder loss. Pellet, flake and powder containment is good for the environment, and it’s also good for business— such losses represent a source of revenue loss. In many jurisdictions there are separate legal or permit requirements addressing pellet, flake and powder loss.

The OCS pledge is initially signed by a company representative then concerned employees are encouraged to individually sign the OCS employee pledge.

Signing up to Operation Clean Sweep® is a simple process. Just go to the GPCA OCS page: https://www.gpca.org.ae/operation-clean-sweep/ sign the company’s pledge listing all facilities and share a copy of your signed document with ocs@gpca.org.ae.