Year 1 Re-Audit Cycle Delivers Strong Results for Operation Clean Sweep NZ
The first year of our updated Operation Clean Sweep NZ (OCS NZ) three-year re-audit cycle closes this May, with promising levels of engagement as follows:
- Re-audits: 26
- Self-Assessments: 20
- Newly Certified Sites: 14
We encourage all companies who have been unable to book in a re-audit or complete self-assessments to do so soon, as we will be updating the website to reflect active certification once the first year of the new programme officially closes at the end of May.
The re-audit journey has been interesting and full of learnings. While some sites have taken proactive measures to maintain best practice, others have undergone high levels of change (including physical site changes). It has been highly valuable to reconnect with these sites to work together in addressing any actions that need to be taken.
It has been affirming to hear initial feedback from Auckland Council’s recent spot checks, which highlighted that they are satisfied with the high standards maintained across OCS NZ certified facilities.
As we move into the second year of the new programme, we are continuing to seek means of adding additional value for our OCS NZ certified companies, with a comprehensive review of OCS NZ processes and documentation to streamline the system, reduce the administrative burden on businesses, and provide better, more efficient support in the upcoming cycle year.
You can read more about global programme in the 2025 Global Impact Report here.
Please read on for a case study demonstrating the best practice of a site in their OCS NZ upkeep.
Case Study: Hexatronic NZ Leads the Way in Plastics Stewardship
Hexatronic New Zealand manufactures high-performance fibre-optic infrastructure products from its Porirua site. In an industry where polymer pellets are essential inputs, Hexatronic has emerged as a leader in responsible plastics stewardship through its commitment to Operation Clean Sweep NZ (OCS NZ).
The company joined OCS NZ because the programme aligns strongly with its values of environmental responsibility, integrity and transparency. By inviting independent scrutiny, Hexatronic sought assurance that its operations genuinely meet the high standards it sets for itself in preventing plastic pellet loss to the environment.
This commitment is backed by robust on-site systems. A comprehensive Resin Material Handling SOP includes detailed procedures for spill prevention, containment, and housekeeping. The SOP emphasises preventing resin tramp, maintaining strict control of open containers, ensuring clean pallets and storage practices, and mandating immediate, well-structured responses to any spill. These measures are reinforced through engineering controls such as dust filtration systems, protected drainage infrastructure, stormwater sump filters and regular inspections, all of which minimise the chance of pellets escaping into the environment.
Since implementation, these measures have been put to the test. Hexatronic experienced an extreme storm event which generated an exceptional deluge (powerful enough to lift a 40kg manhole cover and dislodge sump frames!). Following this, Hexatronic undertook a practical review of their stormwater controls. The team reinstalled their drain filters with added security by removing the tall support cages and fitting the filter bag holder beneath a custom-cut 2.5mm stainless steel plate. These were sized to each individual sump and held firmly in place by the cast iron grate. This tailored upgrade demonstrates a commitment to strengthening containment measures and continuously improving systems in response to real-world conditions.
Hexatronic also exercises strong oversight across its supply chain, requiring ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited suppliers and enforcing careful inspection and containment of any damaged packaging during both overseas and domestic deliveries. The company’s status as an MPI Transitional Facility further embeds rigorous standards for managing sweepings and devanning, ensuring environmental protection is maintained well before materials reach production areas.
During the 2025 OCS NZ re-audit, the site was found to be operating above minimum programme requirements, with the auditor highlighting both the strength of Hexatronic’s procedures and the genuine passion shown by site staff in implementing them.
Auditor Simon Wilkinson explained, “The Hexatronic site was a great example of the importance of having a staff member that will champion the programme and inspire the rest of the team to implement change. Plant Engineer, Torv Rozing, is passionate about protecting the environment and has pushed the site to implement measures that are beyond simple compliance. His enthusiasm for OCS is catching.”
By embedding best practice into everyday operations and continuously reviewing systems, Hexatronic has shown what responsible polymer-using manufacturing can look like, and how industry can meaningfully contribute to protecting New Zealand’s waterways.
To learn more about measures your site can take to mitigate resin loss, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
