The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) have launched Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) Blue Verification, which introduces external, facility-level inspections to bolster the rigor of its program designed to keep plastic in use and out of the environment. The new program is intended to offer transparency for the more than 500 participating facilities in the U.S.
Operation Clean Sweep was founded by the Plastics Industry Association in 1991 and is managed in partnership with the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division. The industry-led program is dedicated to helping companies move toward zero plastic resin loss and is active in more than 60 countries worldwide.
To become OCS Blue Verified, a facility must implement 29 management practices that include risk assessments, employee training and data reporting, and undergo inspections conducted by trained and approved OCS Blue Verifiers. The first verification cycle extends through the end of 2025 and continues every three years moving forward.
“Preventing pre-production plastic from entering the environment is a top priority for PLASTICS’ members and the entire industry,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “OCS Blue Verification underscores this commitment and ensures all OCS Blue members are held to rigorous management practices while working towards a future where all plastic remains in the circular economy.”
PLASTICS and ACC encourage anyone who handles plastic resins to register for a webinar on OCS Blue Verification to be held on Oct. 25, 1-2 p.m. ET, and reach out to [email protected] for information and to join OCS Blue.
