LyondellBasell’s colour masterbatch production facility in Astorp, Sweden, has become the first site to receive Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) Europe certification in the Nordics. The certification followed an external audit conducted by DNV.
The OCS harmonised European certification scheme, operational since February 2023 but officially launched in October of that year, has created harmonised processes and procedures for controlling and documenting pellet loss across the entire plastics supply chain.
Plastic pellets are small pre-production plastic particles that, if improperly managed, can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic and marine life. The OCS programme provides industry-specific guidelines and best practices to ensure the proper handling and containment of plastic pellets, ultimately minimising the risk of environmental impact.
The certification scheme was developed with guidance, and under the supervision, of a multi-stakeholder committee composed of policymakers, certification bodies, industry, and with additional recommendations provided through a public consultation. The scheme aligns with the measures proposed by the European Commission in October 2023 to reduce microplastic pollution from pellets - the first EU instruments designed to tackle microplastic pollution at source.
LyondellBasell now has four OCS certified sites under its umbrella, the remaining three being Bayreuth and Münchsmünster (Germany) and Tarragona (Spain). Two more sites are in the process of certification.
"We are thrilled to be recognised as the first OCS Europe certified site in the Nordics,” said Jonas Luckmann, site manager of the colour masterbatch site, Astorp. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. We are determined to continue leading the way in creating solutions that promote everyday sustainable living,” he concluded.