peration Clean Sweep (OCS) is a global plastics industry initiative with a clear mission – to eliminate the loss of plastic pellets, powders and flakes into the environment.

This program provides a framework for companies to implement pellet containment practices in pursuit of zero pellet loss. Resin loss prevention is essential for protecting the environment and water quality, reducing safety hazards in factories and avoiding regulatory penalties.

By embracing OCS, Primex Corporation proactively addresses these risks while also enhancing the safety of our workers, improving operational efficiency and preserving our reputation as responsible environmental stewards.

More than 5,000 companies worldwide have signed onto Operation Clean Sweep, recognizing that preventing resin loss is both an environmental imperative and a smart business strategy.

Primex joined Operation Clean Sweep to formalize and enhance our ongoing commitment to sustainability and zero pellet loss. Over the past few years, we have made significant upgrades to our equipment, infrastructure and procedures to work towards zero plastic resin escape from our facilities. The following are examples of actions Primex has taken.

Pellet containment at transfer points: One major area of focus has been our railcar and bulk truck loading/unloading operations. Our Design and Fabrication business has created custom pellet containment containers that fit beneath railcar hatches and truck loading ports, effectively catching any pellets that might spill during resin transfers. By capturing material at the source, these containers prevent pellets from reaching the ground. This simple engineering solution has greatly reduced accidental loss during transfers, keeping our rail spur and loading bays noticeably cleaner.

Upgraded rail spur infrastructure: Because rail spurs are common sites for pellet handling, we are improving the physical environment of our rail sidings to facilitate cleanliness and containment. We paved one of our facilities, and installed fabric containment barriers along the edges of the rail area at another. These solutions act as a catch for stray pellets, so if any resin escapes during transfer it is easily recoverable. Together, these infrastructure upgrades ensure that our railcar unloading area is a closed system where pellets stay contained and can be fully recovered.

Doorway pellet control measures: Even with careful handling and cleanup, tiny plastic pellets, flakes and dust can cling to shoes, forklift wheels or other equipment and migrate to other areas. To stop this “traveling” material issue, we are implementing special control measures at facility doorways by adding brushes to the doors and ridges on the floors at key exits and entrances. As people and vehicles pass through, the stiff brushes and grooves capture loose materials, controlling resin loss outside production areas. By simply modifying our doorways, we’ve significantly reduced the number of pellets that escape indoors or reach the outdoors.

Storm drain filters and water protection: Recognizing that any pellets that make it outdoors could be washed away by rain, we strengthened our site’s stormwater protection systems. We are installing filter screens in some of our storm drains. These fine mesh filters catch pellets but still allow water to flow, acting as “pellet strainers” during storms. This measure provides a last line of defense for the environment, ensuring that our commitment to zero pellet loss extends beyond the factory floor and into our surrounding ecosystem.

Dedicated cleaning and maintenance crews: Achieving OCS goals is not just about equipment—people and practices play an equally important role. We have established a housekeeping program by assigning employees to routinely clean and monitor high-risk areas. This diligence helps keep our plants in a constant state of cleanliness. Just as important, it also empowers employees to take ownership of pellet containment. Each of our 1,100 employees and all new employees receive training on OCS program awareness and prevention actions and have made a commitment to participate by signing a pledge that is renewed every 3 years.

Sweeper machines for hard surfaces: In addition to manual cleaning, we are investing in industrial sweeper machines that regularly traverse the warehouse aisles, loading areas and parking lots to pick up any loose pellets, flakes and dust. By routinely using the sweepers, we maintain a high standard of cleanliness with less effort. An added benefit is improved safety: a clean, dry floor without pellets eliminates the risk of slips and falls for our employees, creating a safer workplace.

Silo vent filters to prevent blowouts: Our facilities store plastic resin in large silos, which are filled by blowing resin from railcars or trucks. As part of this process, pellets, flakes and dust can be expelled through the silo’s vent or overflow port. To guard against this scenario, we are adding filters on silo vents. These filter units capture any pellets or dust that might be carried upward by air during filling operations, preventing them from being released into the air or dropping onto the ground outside.

Digital spill reporting via QR codes: Another innovative step we took was leveraging technology to enhance our spill response and safety communication. We have introduced a QR code-based reporting system that makes it easy for any employee to report a pellet spill or hazard the moment it’s spotted. Employees can simply scan a posted QR code with their phone to report any spill or issue, instantly alerting our safety and maintenance teams to the issue and its exact location. Moreover, the simplicity of this tool means employees are more likely to report minor spills. By empowering every team member with a quick reporting mechanism, we’ve created a transparent, proactive safety and resin control culture within our plants.

“Primex is leading by example to keep plastic out of the environment and in the circular economy through its participation in Operation Clean Sweep®. By embracing OCS practices to prevent resin loss in operations, from rigorous risk assessments to collaboration with supply chain partners, Primex is demonstrating leadership and dedication to environmental stewardship and zero plastic resin loss.” – Charlotte Dreizen, Director, Sustainability & Environment, Plastics Industry Association

By implementing Operation Clean Sweep, we have dramatically reduced plastic pellet loss, benefitting the environment, our business and our communities. The measures we have implemented demonstrate that zero pellet loss is an achievable goal.

When plastic industry manufacturers proactively prevent pellet pollution, it elevates our entire industry’s reputation as responsible and sustainable.

Our success with OCS also underscores how valuable the program is as a framework for continuous improvement. Operation Clean Sweep provides not only guidelines and checklists, but also a platform for knowledge-sharing across the industry. We have benefited from OCS resources and case studies in designing our own solutions, and in turn we are proud to share some of our best practices as an example for others.

We encourage every plastics manufacturer and handler to join us in adopting Operation Clean Sweep principles, because stopping pellet, flake and powder loss means less waste and better efficiency, safer facilities, and a stronger compliance posture – and most importantly, it’s the right thing to do for our planet.

Learn more about Operation Clean Sweep at opcleansweep.org