Operation Clean Sweep: Our Commitment to Zero Plastic Resin Loss
August 12, 2024
Each and every associate at our 60 facilities around the globe plays a role in helping Plastipak create our innovative and environmentally conscious packaging. But their work goes far beyond just the product.
We start every project with a people-first approach that benefits both our associates and the communities in which they live and work. We’ve also committed to ensuring safe, fair, and equitable conditions for all. Here are just a few ways we’ve been leaning into our corporate social responsibility philosophy at home and around the globe.
At Plastipak, sustainability is engrained in the work we do. It’s why we continue to innovate around every project and product and work with our global team to minimize our impact on the environment. We have one world, and we’re doing our best to keep it in tip-top shape.
Pellet resin loss is one major contributor to the state of the environment. When these pellets are accidentally released, the runoff pollutes waterways and threatens wildlife, dealing major damage to nature.
To combat resin pellet loss and protect our planet, Plastipak participates in Operation Clean Sweep, a global program that is helping companies meet their goals of achieving zero plastic resin loss during operations.
What is Operation Clean Sweep?
Operation Clean Sweep was founded to create a world where resin is responsibly handled and kept out of the environment — a cause we wholeheartedly support.
Founded in 1991 by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), Operation Clean Sweep is managed in partnership with the American Chemistry Council (ACC)’s Plastics Division — and the program has been implemented in more than 60 countries outside of the United States. It tackles pellet loss across the entire plastics supply chain, from material suppliers to processors and converters, and every stop in between.
Across our more than 38 plants spread out around the world we maintain a global footprint that can benefit from this type of partnership. With Plastipak’s focus on protecting the planet, it’s no wonder, then, that we are actively involved. Our resin capture program aligns with industry-recognized practices and meets environmental regulations in the regions where we operate.
What is Operation Clean Sweep?
Operation Clean Sweep was founded to create a world where resin is responsibly handled and kept out of the environment — a cause we wholeheartedly support.
Founded in 1991 by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), Operation Clean Sweep is managed in partnership with the American Chemistry Council (ACC)’s Plastics Division — and the program has been implemented in more than 60 countries outside of the United States. It tackles pellet loss across the entire plastics supply chain, from material suppliers to processors and converters, and every stop in between.
Across our more than 38 plants spread out around the world we maintain a global footprint that can benefit from this type of partnership. With Plastipak’s focus on protecting the planet, it’s no wonder, then, that we are actively involved. Our resin capture program aligns with industry-recognized practices and meets environmental regulations in the regions where we operate.
How We Minimize Pellet Loss
We incorporate five strategies internally to minimize pellet loss at our facilities.
- The process starts with educating and training our employees to ensure they know the importance of reducing pellet loss and why so much effort is put into this process.
- When we are confident our team is well-versed, we offer detailed standard operating procedures for managing resin delivery and sharing examples of procedures used to prevent pellet loss in our plants.
- Then we outline the steps needed to take in the event of a spill so that minimal pellet loss occurs.
- To prevent any unexpected runoff, we make sure that all exit points — storm drains, grids, etc. — are protected at all times.
- Finally, we ensure all sites undergo frequent inspections to ensure pellet loss is minimal and each plant meets our high standards.
All of this work is done to ensure Plastipak is working in concert with proposed European Union legislation to address microplastic pollution as part of its Circular Economy Action Plan and the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Since we are a global company, it’s necessary that we ensure our activity follows national and international suggested guidelines to reduce our plastic waste.