As part of their ongoing environmental initiatives, Spectra Packaging has recently become a fully signed up member of Operation Clean Sweep.
Endorsed by the British Plastics Federation, this hugely important international environmental initiative is committed to ensuring the containment of plastic pellets so they do not end up in our rivers or seas.
Gavin Chenery, Commercial Director at Spectra said, “In order to play our part in protecting the aquatic environment, Spectra has made a commitment by implementing responsible measures aimed at preventing plastic pellet loss during any of our manufacturing processes”.
He went on to add, “This important environmental scheme is just one of many initiatives Spectra has in place as we continue to look at ourselves in order to be regarded as a truly responsible manufacturer of plastics”.
Research has shown that fish, seabirds and turtles are ingesting a wide variety of plastic items that are affecting their health or more often than not killing them.
Most of the plastics ingested are used consumer plastic products such as bottles, caps and containers, most of which have been carelessly discarded. However, some of this litter is resin pellets that have entered the waste stream and oceans. The research shows that when these pellets are eaten by wildlife they cannot be passed through their digestive tracts and can lead to malnutrition and starvation.
The British Plastics Federation, drivers of the Operation Clean Sweep initiative, pointed out that whilst consumers are responsible for the proper disposal of the products they use, the plastics industry must also focus on the proper containment of plastic pellets, the basic raw material of the plastics industry. The BPF went on to stress that the industry must prevent the pellets from getting into waterways that eventually lead to the sea.
Gavin commented, “Spectra are delighted to be involved with such an important environmental campaign. Implementing good housekeeping and pellet containment practices will help us to work towards achieving zero pellet loss, which can only be a good thing for the environment”.
For more information about Operation Clean Sweep visit http://www.bpf.co.uk/sustainability/operation_Clean_Sweep.aspx
