OCS was launched in 2015 by Plastics Europe, the pan-European association of plastics producers, with the aim of reducing pellet losses by bringing together the entire value chain, from producers, processors and distributors to logistics partners and recyclers. Then in 2015, Plastics Europe and EuPC signed an agreement on a new certification system to be developed jointly, which included verification by external third parties that the OCS requirements would be met. Borealis says it is now the first plastics manufacturer to implement the certification model through pilot initiatives. The pilot audits carried out in September are the next important step in the development of a harmonised and fair certification system for companies along the entire value chain, according to a statement from Vienna. The certification programme was currently being finalised and is to be introduced throughout Europe by 2022. Borealis had already implemented some site-specific measures to prevent pellet losses. These included retention systems such as screens, pellet separators or skimmer ponds. At the Schwechat (Austria) site, a water filtration system had been installed with an investment of 6 million euros, Borealis said, to further reduce the risk of pellet losses.

Sources:

• kunststoffe.de (11/9/2021)
• Photo: @ Borealis