Our member BASF has received Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS®) certification for all of its European production sites manufacturing plastic pellets, including expandable polystyrene (EPS). This achievement demonstrates BASF’s commitment to environmental protection and operational excellence and illustrates the EPS sector’s alignment with Europe’s sustainability objectives and its proactive role in reducing microplastic emissions.
Concrete measures at EPS production sites
"The OCS® certification demonstrates our success in preventing plastic pellet losses. Consistent technical improvements and intensive employee training were crucial," says Gregor Haverkemper, Director Marketing Styropor & Neopor at BASF, and Vice-President of EUMEPS.
The company implemented several targeted actions to meet certification standards, including:
- Systematic identification and elimination of potential leakage points,
- Installation of technical retainers and filters to collect pellets at the source,
- Integration of daily control tools into site operations,
- Awareness-raising and training of all employees on the environmental risks linked to pellet loss.
A positive signal for EPS sustainability and public trust
EPS is often in the spotlight when it comes to plastic pollution. However, initiatives like OCS® demonstrate that the material can be part of a responsible and high-performance solution when produced and handled in line with best practices.
"Many companies in the EPS value chain are committed to reducing plastic pellet losses, and OCS® certification is one option to demonstrate our sustainability activities to the public," says Gregor Haverkemper.
A first step in a wider industry journey
OCS® certification currently applies primarily to raw material producers. As such, this milestone represents an essential first step, but not the end of the road. The next challenge is to support adoption and implementation across the broader EPS manufacturing ecosystem.
"As a raw material manufacturer, we voluntarily assume responsibility and are actively committed to preventing plastic pellet losses. In doing so, we hope to inspire others in the industry to join this effort," Haverkemper adds.
This achievement offers an opportunity to reflect on the broader role the industry must play in microplastic reduction – from material production to end-of-life processing. EUMEPS encourages its members and partners to follow such best practices and is currently exploring options to support wider adoption of pellet loss prevention strategies across the entire EPS value chain.
What is Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS®)?
Operation Clean Sweep® is a global initiative developed by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) to prevent plastic pellet, flake, and powder loss across the plastics value chain. In 2023, a European certification scheme was introduced by Plastics Europe and European Plastics Converters, allowing third-party verification of compliance.
Companies certified under the OCS® programme commit to:
- Identifying and addressing pellet loss sources,
- Installing technical solutions for retention and recovery,
- Training staff on environmental and safety risks,
- Monitoring progress and sharing best practices,
- Engaging supply chain partners in joint action.
As a long-standing member of EUMEPS, BASF’s achievement demonstrates how technical innovation and operational discipline can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. This is a concrete and credible example of industry leadership in action – and a benchmark for others to follow.