Environmental concerns have become an important problem for humanity today. The management of wastes generated after both the production and use of plastics offered to consumers is of vital importance. An important issue that has emerged in recent years is the issue of microplastics and the prevention of the release of these microplastics into nature.

In this context, since the plastic granules used by our companies during their production also qualify as microplastics, a worldwide certification program has been initiated to prevent the production of these granules in petrochemical facilities, their transportation until they reach plastic product manufacturers, and their loss and leakage in the facilities during the production of plastic products.

Companies operating in the plastics industry that want to contribute to the solution by listening to the environmental concerns of consumers have an internationally recognised certificate that they prevent granule losses by having this certificate. Like the ISO Quality Certificate, the OCS certificate is an internationally valid document that includes the creation of a system related to your company's records and its follow-up and surveillance. Internationally Valid OCS Environmental Certificate Turkiye Representative is PAGEV.

The "Operation Clean Sweep" study, which has been ongoing since 2016 with the partnership of PAGEV, the Plastics Industry Association and the American Chemistry Council, which continues its efforts to contribute to the visionary development of the sector with the mission of "Responsible Industry, Problem-Free Environment", is a striking example of the sector's contributions to nature and leaving a livable world for future generations. Operation Clean Sweep, a product management program of the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council and the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), was first implemented in the USA in 1990 and has been implemented in Europe since 2015. The programme is included in the "Global Action Plan for Solutions to Marine Litter" to assist the industry's role in addressing marine litter, with a global goal of zero loss of granules, flakes and dust. Companies that adopt the Operation Clean Sweep program receive prestige as well as global brand recognition.

Click here to watch Operation Clean Sweep management.

The "Operation Clean Sweep" project, a certification program launched within the scope of the Green Deal to prevent microplastics entering the oceans, ensures that plastic granules, flakes, particles and dust passing through plastic production facilities are handled with due care and do not enter rivers or seas. Operation Clean Sweep, a voluntary management program for facilities using plastic materials, aims to prevent plastic raw materials spilled on the ground during production or transportation from entering the seas or rivers with the slogan "There is nothing small". Plastic products are produced by melting and shaping plastic raw materials in the form of small granules. During production or transport, these granules can spill on the ground and enter the seas through sewerage. The Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) movement provides awareness, training and inspection services to ensure that plastic raw material particles, which also carry economic value, do not pose a danger to marine organisms.

Signature Ceremony of Turkiye Representative Office of Internationally Recognised OCS Environmental Certificate

Yavuz Eroglu-Giuseppe Riva

Companies participating in Operation Clean Sweep pledge that they will adhere to best practices and implement systems to reduce the loss of plastic granules and play their part in protecting water. As a result of the Memorandum of Understanding between PAGEV, which undertakes the representation of the project carried out on a global scale in our country, and the United Nations Project Service Office (UNOPS), it is also included in the National SGP Work Program implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and carries out training-certification activities in companies in order to raise awareness of Turkish companies on the subject and to include them in the movement.

We also present to your attention the list of some of our companies that have this certificate both in the world and in Turkiye. In this context, An-el Anahtar, Avient (Polyone), Avient (Clairant), Bareks Plastik, Jokey Turkey, Polibak, Sapro Cleaning Products, Tulipack companies from our country have received OCS Certificate and operate OCS program in their facilities. 

The certification processes of GF Hakan Plastik, Polinas Plastik, Sem Plastik, Lux Plastik, Paccor Ambalaj, Dizayn Konsept companies are ongoing. In the world, many companies including BASF Corporation, Dow Chemical Company, SABIC, Solvay Specialty Polymers, Exxon Mobile Chemical Company, A. Schulman Plastics BV - LyondellBasell have received OCS certification.

PAGEV Operation Clean Sweep Training

In particular, it is in the interests of both domestic environmental compliance of our Turkey and our companies exporting abroad to obtain the OCS Certificate, which certifies their environmental sensitivity during production.

Other benefits for your company are summarised as follows:

- Forms a part of your sustainability/environmental initiatives

- Maximises the use of raw materials

- Prevents slip and fall accidents

- Increases operational efficiency

- Contributes to the improvement of water quality and wildlife

- Protects the name of your company and the plastics industry

 You can contact PAGEV Technical Specialist Nagihan KUL (0212 425 13 13 nagihan.kul@pagev.org.tr ) about the certification process and other details.

Click here to watch Operation Clean Sweep management.