Operation Clean Sweep

Sustainability and CSR are a high priority at Vos Logistics. Among these initiatives is Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), which is a global cooperation in limiting the accidental release of granules into the environment. Vos Logistics has joined OCS program in 2020. As a proud member, we put high effort in minimizing product spillage and to contribute to the welfare of the environment.

The release of granules into the biosphere is a global pollution problem, causing ecosystem degradation mostly in the marine environment. Therefore, the plastics industry has announced its readiness to combat marine littering. And so have we.

Why we support OCS

In recent years scientists have increasingly reported cases of sea birds, turtles and fish eating various plastic objects, which can adversely affect the animals’ ability to breathe, swallow and to digest food.

Most of the plastic waste comes from irresponsibly abandoned consumer goods such as bottles, caps and containers. However, polymer granulate is also among this type of garbage. It gets into the waste stream and, as a consequence, ends up in the natural environment and in particular in sea waters. If the pellets are accidentally eaten by animals, they can get stuck in their digestive tract, causing malnutrition and sometimes even death by starvation.

Even the smallest amounts of granules - a few granules here and there - can be a burden on the environment. That's why it is important to prevent the release of pellets into the environment, regardless of whether the pellets are processed in an inland or coastal facility.

The scattered granules, sooner or later, may end up in our groundwater and oceans through catchments and river watersheds. For example, a pellet that gets into the waters around Munich may appear in the Danube Delta and in the Black Sea. Product spilled near Strasbourg may reach the Rhine and will flow into the North Sea near Rotterdam, posing a threat to the local marine fauna.

Taking action

Vos Logistics involves all employees in eliminating product leakage. Even the smallest amount of granules can be harmful to the environment. Taking into account thousands of pellet loading and unloading performed monthly, shows the full scale of the potential problem.

Therefore, the principle of "zero scattering" is a priority at our facilities. What we do to make this happen:

• Anticipate and prepare for spillage of granules during all loading, unloading and sampling activities
• Take samples using an extra container into which the excess product can drop
• Sweep up product residues into a container
• In case of product spillage, we react immediately, report internally and, if necessary, report to relevant authorities
• Clean up the scattering and dispose of the pellets in the designated area thoroughly
   

Interested in learning more about Operation Clean Sweep® or join the initiative as well? Read more about the initiative here or get in touch with Dorota Malachowska for more information about OCS at Vos Logistics.