Marine Debris: a complex issue that requires solutions and responsibility on many fronts.

Plastics pellets found in the ocean But, there is one aspect of marine debris that we can and should control.

A voluntary program to steward the transport and distribution of plastic resin pellets to prevent product loss and environmental waste

SPI Launched Operation Clean Sweep ® in American Chemistry Council became a partner – Canada (through the North American Plastics Alliance became a partner in the program) 2013 – Nine international participants (including India and China). Objective: To help every plastic resin handling operation implement good housekeeping and pellet containment practices to work towards achieving zero pellet loss. HISTORY AND OBJECTIVE

OCS Principles –Avoid spills and clean them up if they occur –Dispose of the pellets properly OCS composed of: –Employee training tools, signage, etc. –Housekeeping procedures for all aspects of the industry OCS Goal: Zero Plastic Pellet Loss –Keep pellets where they belong PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Any business who handles resin pellets should take the pledge to become a member of OCS This includes: –Resin manufacturers –Plastic processors –Trucking and rail companies who transport resin pellets –Plastics machinery and equipment companies. –Brand Owners –Retailers –Plastic Reclaimers WHO SHOULD BE A MEMBER OF OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP ®

SPI Plastics Division of American Chemistry Council Canadian Plastics Industry Association Anipac OPERATION CLEAN SWEEP IN NORTH AMERICA

Step 1: Assess your company's situation and needs. –Comply with all environmental laws and regulations that address pellet containment. –Conduct a site audit. –Determine if you have appropriate facilities and equipment. –Determine if employees have and are following appropriate procedures. –Identify problem areas and develop new procedures to address them. –Communicate your experiences to peers in the industry. Step 2: Commit to making zero pellet loss a priority. –Sign the "Pledge to Prevent Resin Pellet Loss".Pledge to Prevent Resin Pellet Loss HOW– FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Step 1: Assess your company's situation and needs. –Comply with all environmental laws and regulations that address pellet containment. –Conduct a site audit. –Determine if you have appropriate facilities and equipment. –Determine if employees have and are following appropriate procedures. –Identify problem areas and develop new procedures to address them. –Communicate your experiences to peers in the industry. Step 2: Commit to making zero pellet loss a priority. –Sign the "Pledge to Prevent Resin Pellet Loss".Pledge to Prevent Resin Pellet Loss HOW– FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Step 1: Assess your company's situation and needs. –Comply with all environmental laws and regulations that address pellet containment. –Conduct a site audit. –Determine if you have appropriate facilities and equipment. –Determine if employees have and are following appropriate procedures. –Identify problem areas and develop new procedures to address them. –Communicate your experiences to peers in the industry. Step 2: Commit to making zero pellet loss a priority. –Sign the "Pledge to Prevent Resin Pellet Loss".Pledge to Prevent Resin Pellet Loss HOW– FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Step 3: Make necessary upgrades in facilities and equipment as appropriate. Step 4: Raise employee awareness and create accountability. –Establish written procedures (The procedures and checklists in this manual may be modified to suit your needs. They are available in the checklists section of this website).checklists –Make certain the procedures are readily available to employees. –Conduct regular employee training and awareness campaigns on Operation Clean Sweep. –Assign employees the responsibility to monitor and manage pellet containment. –Encourage each worker to sign the employee commitment pledge. FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

–Solicit employee feedback on your program. –Use workplace reminders such as stickers, posters, etc. Step 5: Follow up and enforce procedures - when management cares, employees will too. –Conduct routine inspections of the facility grounds - production areas and parking lots, drainage areas, driveways, etc. –Continuously look for ways to improve the program. Share best practices through the Operation Clean Sweep Website FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

Operation Clean Sweep ® is a key element of the “Declaration of the Global Plastics Association for Solutions on Marine Litter Resolution” This resolution has been signed by 54 world plastics organizations in 33 countries. A GLOBAL ISSUE

British Plastics Federation Canadian Plastics Industry Association Fédération de la Plasturgie (France) Plastics New Zealand Anipac (Mexico) All India Plastics Manufacturers’ Assn. Plastics SA (South Africa) China Colombia INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN OCS

OCS – A simple step to help strengthen a company’s: –sustainability initiatives; –contribution to preserving water quality and wildlife; –compliance with federal and state regulations and avoidance of fines; –safety/housekeeping program; –employees’ well-being; –operational efficiency; –financial bottom line; and –reputation in the community… WHY BECOME AN OCS MEMBER?

Employees basically want to do the right thing and making it easy for them to accomplish the goals ensures the success of the program. --Doug Nuttall, Crown Poly One of the greatest benefits was that most of what we did was easy and inexpensive to implement. Now our shop is cleaner, safer and more efficient. --Kevin Clyde, Jatco, Inc. DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US

WE CAN HELP YOU LAUNCH THIS PROGRAM Individual Companies – sign the pledge and begin using the tools in your facilities. Association Member – receive a royalty-free license to promote and share tools with your members. OCS Supporter Member (NEW)– available to organizations that do not qualify for partnership but support the efforts of Operation Clean Sweep to prevent pellet loss in the environment. (PAC Next?)

Join Us in the U.S. in CA Patty Long SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association Cathy Cirko Canadian Plastics Industry Association (ext 234) Ashley Carlson Consultant, American Chemistry Council