Plastic Pellets on Beaches and Operation Clean Sweep

Plastics New Zealand does not want to see plastic pellets (sometimes called nurdles), the raw material of our industry, ending up in the sea and on beaches. This valuable resource should not be allowed to become pollution in our natural environment.

Plastics New Zealand is actively working with plastics companies to adopt best practices to prevent pellets escaping into drains when accidental spillages occur.  Since 2016, we have been running a programme called Operation Clean Sweep. This programme involves an independent free audit of member manufacturing sites to help them adopt material handling and stormwater protection best practices.  Plastics NZ has a goal of having 100% of our membership on board with Operation Clean Sweep.

As well as manufacturing sites, it is important that all logistics companies involved in shipping, unloading, and trucking plastic pellets have measures in place to prevent spilled material from entering New Zealand waterways.  Our industry is actively encouraging these logistics providers to also adopt Operation Clean Sweep practices.

If you are a company handling or transporting plastics we encourage you to join us in our efforts to stop pellets from entering our waterways.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to take part in Operation Clean Sweep.