Jun 6 2009
On World Environment Day (5th June) the British Plastics Federation launched its guidance manual 'Operation Clean Sweep - Plastic Pellet Loss Prevention' with surfers and mermaids welcoming the initiative.
In the UK as well as across the World plastic pellets, the raw material from which plastics products are made, have been found on some beaches. How they get there is not clear but the British Plastics Federation wants all companies in the UK Plastics industry to pledge to prevent the loss of plastics pellets into the environment by implementing the BPF's Operation Clean Sweep programme. Plastic pellet loss can occur in factories where pellets could be carelessly washed down drains, or lost in transportation.
The Operation Clean Sweep manual lays down procedures for Prevention, Containment and Clean up. It contains a recommended employee training programme and shows how employee participation and accountability can be encouraged.
The Charity Surfers Against Sewage will be present at the launch of Operation Clean Sweep by BPF President, Paul Jukes.
Surfers against Sewage (SAS) alerted the BPF Director General, Peter Davis, to large amounts of plastic pellet being found on Porthtowan Beach in Cornwall
The BPF's newly elected President Paul Jukes says:
"Losing plastic pellets is bad for the environment, bad housekeeping and doesn't make economic sense. We must all do our bit to prevent this happening."
"I would ask all plastic companies to read the Manual and then sign the Company Pledge and return it to us. By signing the Pledge they are agreeing to implement measures to achieve zero pellet loss."
Surfers Against Sewage Campaign Manager Andy Cummins says:
"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. Operation Clean Sweep can help factories all over the UK protect the environment and their profit margins. It's a win win situation and SAS urge all BPF members to sign Operation Clean Sweep's company pledge."