Teesport has become the first UK port to actively minimise the risk of plastic pellets from leaking into the environment, as its operator PD Ports signs up to the Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) initiative. The project, run in the UK by the British Plastics Federation (BPF), introduces measures to keep plastic ‘nurdles’ safely away from rivers and seas.
Simon Clarke, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, announced the landmark agreement, while presenting the OCS certificate to PD Ports at a BPF reception at the House of Commons on Monday 10th September. Mr Clarke states:
“Today’s news is a major step forward in the fight against plastic pollution, and will delight the hundreds of my constituents who take part in regular beach cleans at Saltburn and along our local rivers and streams. The British Plastics Federation is doing wonderful work tackling this scourge, and PD Ports deserve great credit for engaging swiftly and decisively as the first UK port to sign up to Operation Clean Sweep.
“Plastics have a crucial role in our economy but it is vital they are produced and transported in a responsible fashion. I hope other UK ports will now follow Teesport’s lead – both our own and future generations will have reason to thank them if they do.”
Operation Clean Sweep® is already implemented across the UK in over 250 sites, which up until now have largely been plastics manufacturing plants.
However, the recent announcement represents an important shift, incorporating other companies who handle these materials along the supply chain – ensuring plastics are handled responsibly during transportation.