Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), a resin loss prevention initiative founded by PLASTICS, began in 1999. The program, now managed in partnership with the American Chemistry Council Plastics Division, held the first-ever conference dedicated solely to OCS Sept. 10-12.
The event drew a max capacity audience representing 55 unique companies. Gathered in Houston for a rich agenda of diverse panels, master classes, touring and networking, attendees unlocked opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and experts on solutions to keep plastic out of the environment and in the circular economy.
Gathering and giving back
Day One of OCS CON kicked off with a tour of the Quantix SCS terminal in Highlands, Texas, where attendees saw how OCS principles are applied in the transportation section of the supply chain. The tour demonstrated how Quantix has successfully implemented resin-handling protocols throughout terminal operations and their network of more than 1,600 trucks and trailers nationwide.
PLASTICS also provided attendees with an opportunity to participate in a local environmental cleanup along a stretch of waterway leading to the Gulf of Mexico. Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership facilitated the event for PLASTICS which brought industry and community together.
“Our team of volunteers joined the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's tremendous staff in conducting a cleanup, embarking on boats to make a tangible, positive impact on Houston's waterways,” said Charlotte Dreizen, PLASTICS’ director of sustainability and environment and PLASTICS’ lead for Operation Clean Sweep.
Stephanie Didier, PLASTICS’ sustainability program coordinator, added, “Participants from New Zealand, where they carry out events like this all the time, said they’ve never seen a cleanup accomplish so much.”
Education and discussion
Day Two opened with welcome remarks from Patrick Krieger, PLASTICS VP of sustainability, and Amanda Ciccone representing Dow Chemical, headline sponsor of the conference.
Next up was Chris Tagoe, SVP of health, safety and environment of LyondellBasell, who shared a rallying presentation about his own company’s journey working with OCS toward zero resin loss, their multi-pronged approach for loss prevention and other environmental protection initiatives.
Tagoe was followed by a lineup of presenters who delved into an array of subjects including:
- Integration of OCS principles into daily operations
- Establishing a zero-resin-loss culture in the workplace
- Technologies and techniques for both containing resin and mitigating spills
- OCS operations in Europe
- Managing resin across a worldwide operation
- Recycling recovered waste resin
- Rail and trucking transportation OCS applications
Day 3 of OCS CON was an opportunity for OCS Blue and OCS Logistics members to come together and consider opportunities to strengthen the OCS program. One key topic was how to prepare for the facility-level inspections required for all material suppliers and processors by the end of 2025. Committee members also discussed 2025 priorities including the expansion of OCS to maritime stakeholders.
Resounding success
According to Dreizen, attendees are already asking when registration for next year’s OCS CON will open so they can tell colleagues to put it on their calendars. “We had companies that brought 10 or 12 people sharing that they want to bring even more next time around,” she said. “One gentleman told us he had no idea just how much this event was needed.”
Dreizen is particularly excited about seeing what will result from the combined dedication of OCS members. “More than two-thirds of plastic produced in the U.S. is produced at an OCS member facility,” she said. “We’re so pleased to be setting the stage for collaboration and innovation in the prevention of resin loss.”
The next OCS CON will take place Oct. 13-15, 2025, in Indianapolis.
