News

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has launched a campaign to promote the safe disposal of plastic pellets, Operation Clean Sweep.

The BPF has produced a 25-page guidance manual which outlines procedures for the prevention, containment and clean-up of plastic pellets by converters.

Advice on training staff on pellet management is also included in the document, which has been launched to coincide with World Environment Day (5 June).

Operation Clean Sweep – Plastic Pellet Loss Prevention will be made available to members via the website Operationcleansweep.org.

The BPF launched the campaign after being alerted to the large amounts of plastic pellets being found on Porthtowan Beach in Cornwall by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

"Losing plastic pellets is bad for the environment, bad housekeeping and doesn't make economic sense," said the BPF's newly elected president Paul Jukes.

Jukes urged BPF members to sign the pledge to prevent the loss of pellets.

"After SAS highlighted the problem of 'mermaids' tears' on UK beaches we were impressed with the BPF's determination to find a solution to this big problem," said SAS campaign manager Andy Cummins.

"Operation Clean Sweep can help factories all over the UK protect the environment and their profit margins."

Alcan Packaging also chose World Environment Day to launch its global Sustainability Moments campaign.

The company has circulated a manual to all its sites with ideas on how to promote sustainability in their local area.