Press Release

April 22, 2026 by opcleansweep

Washington, DC – Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), a globally recognized resin stewardship program jointly administered by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC)’s Plastics Division, released its 2025 Global Impact Report, highlighting industry-wide progress to prevent plastic resin loss and keep materials out of the environment. The report underscores the continued growth and impact of OCS as a global, industry-led stewardship program focused on minimizing plastic pellet, flake, and powder loss across the value chain.

OCS is active in more than 60 countries and brings together companies across the supply chain—from material suppliers and processors to logistics and transportation providers—to implement tested strategies that prevent plastic resin loss while also strengthening operational performance.

The annual Global Impact Report highlights continued international growth and expanded adoption of enhanced program elements, including OCS Data Reporting and Verification—advancing transparency and supporting facilities in working toward the goal of zero resin loss through independently verified OCS management practices.

Key highlights from the 2025 OCS Global Impact Report include:

More than 6,000 companies worldwide participate in OCS
More than 300 external inspections were conducted across International OCS Programs in 2025
The logistics sector saw the fastest membership growth, reinforcing the importance of resin handling and loss prevention across the full supply chain
OCS members represent over 65% of U.S. plastic resin production capacity
U.S.-based OCS members trained more than 35,000 workers on zero resin loss and prevention strategies

“The plastics industry understands the importance of preventing plastic pellet loss and OCS continues to lead in advancing responsible environmental stewardship,” said Patrick Krieger, PLASTICS Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Policy. “The 2025 OCS Global Impact Report highlights how resin loss prevention is being implemented worldwide, with growing participation across the supply chain demonstrating that real progress depends on coordinated, collaborative action.”

“OCS reflects our industry’s shared commitment to responsible resin handling at every stage of production and transport,” said Adam Peer, senior director of Plastics Packaging at the American Chemistry Council. “With the majority of U.S. resin production capacity represented by OCS members, and independent verification strengthening the program, we are turning the goal of zero resin loss into everyday practice.”

OCS will host a live webinar on the 2025 Global Impact Report on May 13 from 10 a.m.–11 a.m. ET. The virtual event is free and open to the public. Click here to register.

Click here to read the 2025 OCS Global Impact Report.

Plastics Industry Association

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.

American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic Makers^SM 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.

October 20, 2025 by Sara Slocum

Indianapolis, Indiana – Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), a globally recognized resin stewardship program jointly administered by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) Plastics Division, successfully concluded OCS CON 2025 in Indianapolis this week. The three-day event brought together industry leaders from across the plastics value chain to advance solutions that prevent resin loss keeping plastic resin in the circular economy and out of the environment.

OCS CON serves as the industry’s premier forum for sharing tested strategies and innovations in preventing resin loss. The 2025 conference featured more than 35 speakers across 21 plus sessions, offering attendees a mix of panels, expert dialogues, and interactive discussions designed to promote collaboration, education, and continuous improvement across all segments of the plastics industry.

This year’s event welcomed more than 130 attendees and included hands-on activities that demonstrated real-world applications of OCS principles:

Two facility tours at Primex Plastics and Berry Global
A waterway cleanup in partnership with Friends of White River
An IndyCar Factory Tour at the Dallara Experience Hub and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Experience

Honoring Champions in Resin Stewardship

A highlight of OCS CON 2025 was the presentation of the Operation Clean Sweep Difference Maker Awards, recognizing individual and organizational champions who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to prevent resin loss and protect the environment.

A total of five recipients were honored for their outstanding contributions to OCS.

For more information about the winners, click here.

OCS Brand Refresh: Leading the Way in Resin Stewardship

During the closing session, OCS unveiled its new brand identityand tagline, Leading the Way in Resin Stewardship.

The brand refresh, officially announced on October 17, reinforces OCS’s leadership in responsible resin handling and reflects its evolution as a global movement dedicated to continuous improvement and measurable environmental outcomes.

“OCS CON 2025 demonstrated the incredible momentum and shared responsibility across our industry to prevent plastic resin loss and protect the environment,” said Patrick Krieger, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Policy at PLASTICS. “This year’s event underscored how innovation, transparency, and accountability are reshaping the conversation on resin stewardship. We’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re seeing it in action through new technologies, stronger partnerships, and measurable results that keep plastic in the economy and out of the environment.”

“OCS CON demonstrates how the plastics industry is leading the way on environmentally responsible solutions to resin loss, and this year was no exception,” said Adam Peer, Senior Director of Plastics Sustainability at ACC. “Collaboration and strong partnerships underscore how innovative solutions and industry practices are shared to build a cleaner world.”

The next OCS CON will take place in Houston, Texas, from October 14–16, 2026, continuing to build on the progress and partnerships established in Indianapolis. Please visit https://www.ocscon.org for more information.

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic Makers^SM 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.

October 17, 2025 by Sara Slocum

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.

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September 27, 2023 by opcleansweep

WASHINGTON, D.C. (SEPT. 27, 2023) — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) are excited to announce the launch of Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) Blue Verification, a new program designed to further the plastics industry’s goal of keeping plastic in use and out of the environment. The launch of OCS Blue Verification brings a new level of rigor and transparency to the more than 500 facilities in the U.S. under the OCS Blue program through an external, facility-level inspection program.

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. OCS members in the U.S. represent a diversity of the plastics value chain, ranging from companies making and distributing plastic, to transportation companies moving plastic, and processors manufacturing final products.

“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.”

“America’s plastic makers have led the charge to be good stewards in resin and pellet management,” said America’s Plastic Makers President Ross Eisenberg. “We are taking significant measures to increase transparency and knowledge sharing that will lead to safer, cleaner communities in the U.S. and abroad.”

OCS Blue’s required management practices demonstrate significant leadership in industry-led, voluntary stewardship to protect the environment, preserve water quality and wildlife, and strengthen worker safety. OCS Blue Verification is a new mandatory requirement for all material suppliers and processors in OCS Blue and is uniquely available to OCS Blue members in the U.S.

To become OCS Blue Verified, a facility must demonstrate that it has successfully implemented 29 required management practices ranging from robust risk assessments to comprehensive employee training and data reporting. OCS Blue Verification inspections will be conducted by trained and approved OCS Blue Verifiers that meet eligibility requirements. The first verification cycle extends through the end of 2025 and continues every three years moving forward.

PLASTICS and ACC encourage resin producers, converters, shippers, distributors and recyclers – anyone who handles plastic resins – and credentialed press to register for a webinar on OCS Blue Verification to be held on Oct. 25, 1-2 p.m. ET, and reach out to ocs@plasticsindustry.org for additional information and to join OCS Blue.

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $548 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 seventh 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, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic Makers^SM plus the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America’s Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We’re linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We’re making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.

July 27, 2023 by opcleansweep

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and American Chemistry Council (ACC) today announced the addition of three new members to Operation Clean Sweep blue. The elite status is achieved by exceeding rigorous standards set by Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS). OCS is an industry-led campaign dedicated to helping every plastic resin handling operation prevent plastic resin loss.

New OCS blue Designees

BASF (Florham Park, NJ)
DuPont (Wilmington, DE)
Eastman (Kingsport, TN).

“Creating chemistry for a sustainable future is not just a tagline. We are proud to work with others along the value chain to drive a positive impact, which is why BASF signed on to OCS blue as a clear commitment to pellet loss prevention and protecting the environment,” said Gülay K. Serhatkulu, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials North America, BASF Corporation.

“At DuPont, we are committed to a set of bold sustainability goals that are good for our communities and for our planet,” said Alexa Dembek, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, DuPont. “Joining Operation Clean Sweep blue underscores our commitment to best practices in facilities management and operation, including responsible resin handling and pellet containment processes.”

“Eastman is committed to accelerating a more circular economy, and as that commitment stimulates product innovation at Eastman, it also inspires us to apply the same principles to our operations,” said Kellye Walker, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Eastman. “By joining Operation Clean Sweep blue, we are underscoring our circularity efforts with our zero-incident mindset approach to safety, ethics and compliance — driving continual improvement and creating a better circle.”

“PLASTICS is proud of managing Operation Clean Sweep. Our industry recognizes the importance of ensuring that plastic is manufactured in a way that seeks to eliminate the loss of resin into the environment,” said Patrick Krieger, Senior Director of Materials and Sustainability at PLASTICS. “This requires coordination across the supply chain and dedication to sharing best practices and interventions. OCS blue reflects a commitment by these organizations to take this a step further seeking to become leaders in this mission. We welcome our newest members to the program and look forward to learning from and with them.”

“America’s plastic makers congratulate the latest companies to achieve OCS blue status, and we encourage every company that makes or handles plastic pellets to do the same,” said Joshua Baca, ACC’s vice president of plastics. “Plastics are essential to a safer, cleaner, lower-carbon world – and all of us must work together to keep these advanced materials out of the environment.”

The OCS blue achievement demonstrates these three companies’ commitment to preventing plastic from entering the environment or becoming marine debris. By achieving this elite status, these companies are held to a higher standard to eliminate plastic resin loss by conducting site audits, increasing employee awareness, and improving equipment, processes and procedures at their facilities.

For more than 25 years the plastics industry has promoted OCS, a campaign dedicated to helping every plastic resin handling operation prevent plastic resin loss. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) strongly encourage companies to take their commitment – a pledge committing to OCS principles by plastics companies or plastics employees – to the next level.

About Plastics Industry Association

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, representing nearly one million workers in the $432 billion U.S. industry. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members and the industry more globally competitive while advancing recycling and sustainability. To learn more about PLASTICS’ education initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, networking opportunities and policy advocacy and the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show, visit plasticsindustry.org. Connect with PLASTICS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people’s lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®; common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues; and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $486 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation’s economy. It is among the largest exporters in the nation, accounting for ten percent of all U.S. goods exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure.