Indianapolis, IN – Operation Clean Sweep®, a globally recognized resin stewardship program jointly administered by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC)’s Plastics Division, announced the recipients of the 2025 Difference Maker Awards at this year’s OCS CON in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The OCS Difference Maker Award recognizes individual and organizational champions who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to making zero resin loss a top priority.
This year, five recipients were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the goals of OCS:
- OCS Blue Member Category: Chevron Phillips Chemical – Commended for robust internal efforts, including the Heel Recovery Project and a notable reduction of spills within facilities.
- OCS Logistics Member Category: Frontier Logistics – Recognized for proactive and innovative strategies to address resin loss—particularly in railcar washing—through implementation of air-based cleaning technology.
- OCS Base Tier Member Category: GEON Performance Solutions – Honored for raising the bar on operational excellence and embedding resin loss prevention into day-to-day operations.
- Individual Corporate Category: Inge Duran (Director of Quality Assurance, Packwell) –Recognized for developing comprehensive procedures and management protocols at Packwell, and for establishing a cross-functional team dedicated to advancing resin loss prevention.
- Individual Facility Category: Mike Lever (Raw Material Manager, Plastipak) – Honored for his dedication to resin loss prevention and his continued initiative to enhance OCS measures at Plastipak through creative, solutions-driven approaches.
“The recipients of this year’s OCS Difference Maker Awards represent the pinnacle of what our industry can achieve when resin loss prevention is embraced at every level,” said Patrick Krieger, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Policy at PLASTICS. “From innovative technologies to cross-functional teamwork and process improvements, these individuals and organizations are demonstrating significant leadership in environmental responsibility. Their efforts not only strengthen their own operations but also inspire broader change across the value chain and in the communities where they operate. We’re proud to honor their commitment to continuous improvement and leadership in driving us closer to our shared goal of zero resin loss.”
“This year’s recipients are shining examples that our industry is leading the way with practical and effective solutions,” said Adam Peer, Senior Director of Plastics Sustainability at ACC. “Real sustainability and environmental stewardship begins with innovative efforts that inspire us to drive toward our goals.”
Hosted by Operation Clean Sweep, OCS CON brings the full plastic value chain together in efforts towards eliminating the loss of plastic resin to the environment. This event incubates and amplifies solutions to resin loss, ranging from introductions to groundbreaking technology to comprehensive culture change strategies. In addition to diverse panels, expert dialogues, and tours, OCS CON unlocks opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and experts to keep plastic within the circular economy and out of the environment.
This year’s event took place from October 15-17, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information about OCS CON, please visit https://www.ocscon.org.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians who develop plastics essential to modern life. From healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water, plastics drive innovation and strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting key industries and creating well-paying jobs. Companies are investing billions annually in U.S. production and recycling, advancing manufacturing and efficiency across economic sectors. We envision a future where all plastic products are reused or recycled, conserving resources and creating a cleaner, safer and more resilient world.
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