British Plastics Federation’s Operation Clean Sweep Training Course Reaches Major Milestone with 300+ Participants in First Year

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has marked a significant achievement in its sustainability efforts with over 300 individuals completing its Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) Training Course within the first year of its launch. The course has also been completed in 28 countries. This milestone reflects the growing commitment across the UK and international plastics industry to reduce plastic pellet, flake, and powder loss across the industry supply chain.

In response to ongoing engagement with OCS signatories, it became evident that many companies needed further guidance on how to effectively implement OCS at their facilities. To address this need and strengthen industry commitment to environmental responsibility, the BPF launched a comprehensive and accessible training course specifically designed to support OCS implementation.

The BPF training course provides a comprehensive, structured online learning platform covering key aspects such as:

• Pellet containment strategies
• Site management
• Staff engagement and responsibilities
• Spill response procedures
• Auditing and continuous improvement

With more than 300 professionals now trained in just 12 months, the uptake demonstrates strong industry engagement, particularly among material converters, and logistics providers. Many participating organisations have integrated the course into their onboarding and environmental training programmes. You can read how Wells Performance Materials Ltd integrated the training course into their already existing training.

Omar Davidson, Senior Recycling & Sustainability Executive at the BPF, commented on the milestone:
“We’re thrilled to see such strong engagement with the OCS training course in its first year. Preventing plastic pellet loss is a critical issue for the industry and the environment, and this course equips companies with the tools and knowledge to make real, measurable changes.”

The course is part of the BPF’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which is managed by the Sustainability Committee. The Sustainability Committee provides guidance on a number of matters such as Net Zero, ESG and the Circular Economy.

Companies that complete the OCS training for relevant staff can strengthen their environmental credentials and demonstrate alignment with best practices increasingly demanded by customers, regulators, and the public.

Looking Ahead

With continued interest and strong feedback, the BPF plans to expand the training programme further in 2025. Based on feedback the BPF is looking at how to make the training course more accessible for roles which are not computer based, ensuring those without a digital device are still able to take part. Furthermore the BPF is providing support to Acoplásticos (Colombian plastics association) to develop their own OCS training course. The federation is continuing to encouraging companies throughout the plastics supply chain—large and small—to make the training part of their sustainability commitments.

For more information about the Operation Clean Sweep® initiative and how to access the BPF’s training course, click here.