ANAIP, the Spanish association of plastics manufacturers, and Plastics Europe, the pan-European association of plastics producers., have held the conference at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge Pellet regulations and convergence with the plastics industry's voluntary program Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), a meeting in which representatives of the public administration and industry have discussed the new European regulatory framework and the role of the OCS Programme as a benchmark in the responsible management of plastic pellets.
A step forward in pellet regulation
The event took place at a crucial time, following the approval of new European Union rules on reducing pellet losses, which aim to mitigate the impact of pellets on marine ecosystems and the environment in general. This framework requires all stakeholders in the plastics value chain who handle pellets to implement rigorous measures to prevent spills and improve traceability.
In this regard, the plastics industry is adopting a collaborative approach between government and industry, using the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) program, promoted by ANAIP and Plastics Europe, as a benchmark. This voluntary program serves as an example of best practice for the development of future legal obligations, standing out for having led the way for years in responsible pellet handling and containment practices.
Operation Clean Sweep: A Pioneering Program
Operation Clean Sweep is an international initiative, promoted in Spain by ANAIP and Plastics Europe, aimed at minimizing the loss of plastic pellets into the environment. This pioneering program, which anticipated the regulatory framework, has become a benchmark model that inspires regulatory strategies.
OCS establishes best practice standards for member companies, focusing on:
• Loss prevention through risk identification and management plans and the application of preventive and mitigating measures.
• Awareness and training of all workers.
• Monitoring and evaluation: audits and certifications, such as the “OCS Europe” seal, which recognizes companies committed to the program's objectives.
A collaborative day between public administration and industry
The event, which took place at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, featured a full agenda covering technical, industrial and regulatory perspectives.
Margarita Ruiz Saiz-Aja, Deputy Director General of Waste at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, She welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the Ministry's commitment and collaboration with the plastics industry for the implementation of the new Pellet Regulation, highlighting that: “The approval of the new Regulation (EU) to prevent losses of plastic pellets represents a decisive step in the fight against microplastic pollution. This pioneering legislation establishes obligations for all operators handling pellets throughout the supply chain, from production to transport, including specific measures for maritime transport to prevent incidents like those that have occurred on our coasts, and extending to waste management companies. The Regulation consolidates voluntary initiatives such as Ocean Clean Sweep and transforms them into binding requirements, ensuring that risk management plans and cleanup protocols are adopted in the event of incidents. Furthermore, it introduces a proportionate approach: large and medium-sized facilities will be required to be certified, while small and micro-enterprises will have simplified compliance mechanisms. With this, the EU reinforces its commitment to prevention and environmental protection, moving towards the goal of 'zero' microplastics.” 'losses' of grain."
For its part, Isabel Goyena, Director General of ANAIPHe highlighted the industrial sector's commitment to sustainability, pointing to the OCS Program as an example of self-regulation, and the data confirms this, as Goyena emphasized: “In Spain, more than 540 facilities are already part of the OCS program, more than 70 facilities have achieved certification, demonstrating their commitment to good practices and continuous improvement, making them leaders in Europe, and we already have 19 accredited certification bodies in Europe to audit and certify compliance with OCS Europe.”
Then Francisco Javier Martínez, Head of the Marine Strategies area of the Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea, She explained the guidelines of the macro and microplastics monitoring program in the marine environment, and Silvia Barreda Pérez, from the General Sub-Directorate of Waste, presented the main elements of the new European pellet regulation.
Then Alicia Martín, General Manager of Plastics Europe in the Iberian Region, He explained how the OCS Program aligns with the provisions of the Pellets Regulation: “Thanks to the early implementation of OCS, we have demonstrated that the plastics industry can lead significant changes. This program is a clear example of our commitment to the environment and is aligned with the strategic priorities of the new European Union regulation.”
Subsequently, Alicia Martín moderated the panel discussion. Experiences and success stories of companies affiliated with and certified by OCS Europe, in which they participated Marina Martínez, senior environmental manager at Repsol; Yolanda Martínez, director of environment and CSR at Molecor; Sandra Fernández Freixa, director of marketing and sustainability at GCR Group; and Ignacio Arnau, SHEQ manager at Pañalón.
To finish, the Cesar Luena, MEP and rapporteur for the dossier on pellet regulationShe shared a video message in which she emphasized the EU's commitment to reducing microplastic pollution. “In this effort, it was essential to address losses from plastic pellets, which represent the third largest source of unintentional microplastic release across Europe. And it was essential to do so with a comprehensive approach, covering all points in the chain, from production and storage to transport, including maritime shipping.” She added: “This regulation is a very important step, but its success will depend on implementation, the daily commitment of every facility, every operator, and, of course, the collaborative work between government, industry, and civil society.”
Isabel Goyena closed the session by emphasizing that “Spain has been a pioneer in OCS certification and has made a decisive contribution to the development of the European model. Let us continue demonstrating that the Spanish plastics industry can lead the change through responsibility, collaboration, and innovation. ANAIP and Plastics Europe will continue to support companies, promoting training, certification, and continuous improvement, with a common and shared goal: that no pellet ends up in the environment.”
Photo caption: Marina Martínez (Repsol); Isabel Goyena (ANAIP); Margarita Ruíz (MITERD); Alicia Martín (Plastics Europe); Silvia Barreda (MITERD); Sandra Fernández (GCR Group); Yolanda Martínez (Molecor); Ignacio Arnau (Pañalón).
