European Plastics Converters and PlasticsEurope combine on Europe’s first pellet loss certification scheme

13 Jan 2021 --- European Plastics Converters (EuPC) and PlasticsEurope, the trade association representing plastics manufacturers in Europe, have signed an agreement to introduce a certification scheme aimed at reducing pellet loss throughout the plastic supply chain.

The scheme, which will be implemented across Europe by 2022, forms part of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), an initiative aimed at achieving zero pellet loss.

Once the scheme is live, all OCS European signatory companies will be audited regularly by accredited third parties to establish their compliance with OCS requirements.

Hervé Millet, director strategic council of Climate and Production, PlasticsEurope explains the issues pellet loss cause throughout Europe to PackagingInsights.

“In Europe, the majority of plastics raw materials, which are converted into plastic products, take the form of either round or oval granules of approximately 2-5 mm in diameter, known as pellets.”

“Unintentional loss of plastic pellets can occur at all stages along the value chain, be it production, packing, loading, transport, unloading and conversion, despite the application of the current standard environmental, safety and quality management controls.”

Currently over 1,200 companies from the plastics supply chain in Europe have signed on to the OCS, including three major ports – Cartagena and Tarragona in Spain and Felixstowe in the UK. 

The OCS certification scheme will be introduced Europe-wide by 2022.Rising ocean pollution 
Plastic pellets are estimated to be the second largest source of direct microplastic pollution entering the ocean, where they can have severe impacts on a wide range of fish species, according to Fauna and Flora International. 

PlasticsEurope, however, says the problem may be even bigger. “It is important to note that estimates vary as to the exact magnitude of the problem, since there is currently no standardized methodology to measure pellets losses at industrial sites.”

Plastic emissions into the aquatic environment in the EU is estimated at a median rate of 41,000 tons annually, according to a 2018 study by Eunomia. This also comes at great cost to industry by way of lost resources. 

“Concerning losses along the plastics value chain, a background document on pre-production pellets compiled by the OSPAR Commission estimated total pellets losses in Europe amount to between 16,888 tons and 167,431 tons per year,” Millet highlights.

The clean sweep mission 
In the US, OCS operates by monitoring companies’ practices and standards and awarding a blue member plaque to those achieving the required level of commitment. 

To become a blue member, applicants must conduct employee training on preventing plastic resin loss throughout its operations, establish written procedures, conduct site checks and annually share information on wastage, among many other requirements. 

The European initiative is now expected to form its own certification scheme along the same lines and enforce standards accordingly. 

OCS was launched 25 years ago and includes major countries on every continent, including the US and China. It has been working in various capacities across the globe to support and advise relevant companies on best practices. 

The campaign’s stated goal is “to help every plastic resin handling operation implement good housekeeping and pellet, flake and powder containment practices to work toward achieving zero pellet, flake and powder loss.”OCS currently has over 1,200 European member companies adopting the new certification standards.

A new European certificate 
The signatories of the new certification scheme are lauding its potential for aiding environmental sustainability efforts across the continent. 

“This is a major step forward by the industry and its ongoing commitment to tackling plastic pollution,” says Virginia Janssens, managing director of PlasticsEurope.

Alexandre Dangis, managing director of EuPC, also commented that the scheme is essential to achieving waste reductions. 

“The global issue of pellet loss will only be solved by taking joint actions. Together with all companies handling pellets, we need implementable concrete measures to meet our zero pellet loss goal.”

“Many EuPC members mainly representing SMEs, national plastics associations and sectors, have already joined OCS and actively promote the scheme towards their member companies.” 

“This project takes the plastics converting, masterbatching and compounding industry to the next level, further supporting the sector across Europe to demonstrate sound environmental management.”

British research into pellet loss
Last year, the British Standards Institute (BSI) announced it would be spearheading a research project into how to create its specification program for pellet loss reduction. 

The report is being sponsored by the British Plastics Federation (BPF), among other investors, and will be published in July 2021. 

The fast-tracked standardization document will provide an important tool for companies to demonstrate good practice in pellet loss prevention measures across the supply chain.

By Louis Gore-Langton