A&R Bulk-Pak, a premier provider of contract packaging, warehousing, and logistics services, has made significant strides in environmental sustainability by achieving Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) Logistics verification. This recognition highlights A&R Bulk-Pak’s commitment to preventing plastic pellet loss throughout its operations, including transport, packaging, and storage. A subsidiary of Nova Infrastructure, A&R Bulk-Pak has long been dedicated to optimizing supply chains and reducing operational costs for clients. The OCS Logistics verification is just one of the many ways the company strives to exceed industry standards while minimizing its environmental footprint.
The Importance of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS)
Founded in 1991 by the Plastics Industry Association, the Operation Clean Sweep program is designed to assist companies in their efforts to eliminate plastic resin loss, specifically focusing on the prevention of plastic pellet spillage. The initiative is managed in partnership with the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division and works to support businesses in achieving zero plastic resin loss throughout their operations.
Plastic pellets are the raw material used in the manufacturing of plastic products, and they are transported globally as a key component in plastic production. If not properly contained, these small plastic pellets can easily escape into the environment, contributing to pollution. OCS, through its established guidelines and verification processes, provides a framework for companies to implement effective procedures that prevent pellet loss, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainability.
A&R Bulk-Pak’s recent OCS Logistics verification is a reflection of the company’s commitment to environmental protection. The verification was granted for the company’s Moncks Corner, SC facility, a state-of-the-art operation that offers a wide range of packaging and logistics services. The facility is equipped with advanced technology, including high-speed packaging lines and a large storage area, all of which are strategically designed to optimize efficiency while maintaining strict environmental controls. Through these efforts, A&R Bulk-Pak continues to be a leader in the logistics and packaging sector, setting an example for other companies in the industry to follow.
A&R Bulk-Pak’s Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Vince Lombardy, the Plant Manager at A&R, emphasized the company’s strong commitment to preventing plastic pellet loss and ensuring environmental sustainability. “The A&R team works hard every day to ensure that all product moving through our facility gets to its final destination and does not find its way into the environment. We take the OCS pledge very seriously and ensure that our mission and core values are woven into every part of our operation, so we’re honored and humbled to be one of the first companies to be verified,” he said.
This statement reflects A&R Bulk-Pak’s dedication to sustainability, and it aligns with the company’s long-standing values of quality, reliability, and responsibility. By adhering to the guidelines set forth by the OCS program, A&R ensures that every step of its operations, from packaging to storage and transport, is optimized to prevent plastic pellets from escaping into the environment. The verification is not just a certification but a testament to the company’s proactive stance on environmental protection and its continuous efforts to improve operational processes.
Achieving OCS Logistics Verification
To receive OCS Logistics verification, A&R Bulk-Pak met a comprehensive set of requirements that cover all aspects of operations where plastic resin could potentially be lost. These include:
1. Commitment to Zero Resin Loss
The core principle behind OCS is a commitment to zero plastic resin loss. A&R Bulk-Pak has taken this commitment to heart, embedding it into the fabric of its operations. The company has made it a priority to prevent any plastic pellets from escaping into the environment, ensuring that all aspects of the business, from packaging to transport, align with this goal.
2. Assessment of Company Needs
A critical first step in achieving OCS verification is conducting a thorough assessment of the company’s current operations to identify potential risks and areas for improvement. A&R Bulk-Pak worked closely with the OCS program to evaluate its systems and make any necessary adjustments. This assessment helps the company understand the specific needs of its facilities and operations, ensuring that all measures taken are tailored to the company’s unique processes.
3. Facility and Equipment Upgrades
As part of its OCS verification process, A&R Bulk-Pak made necessary upgrades to its Moncks Corner facility. This included enhancing equipment and infrastructure to ensure that plastic pellets are effectively contained throughout the entire supply chain. By investing in cutting-edge technology and ensuring that all equipment meets the highest standards, A&R Bulk-Pak can better manage its operations and minimize any risk of pellet loss.
4. Improving Worksite Setup
A&R Bulk-Pak also focused on improving its worksite setup to prevent spills and effectively address any potential issues. This involved reconfiguring parts of the facility to create better containment systems, optimizing workflows to reduce the likelihood of accidental pellet loss, and incorporating better safety measures to handle spills or containment breaches.
5. Internal Procedures for Resin Loss Prevention
A&R Bulk-Pak developed and implemented internal procedures to further reduce the risk of plastic pellet loss. These procedures serve as a guide for the company’s employees, outlining best practices for preventing spills, containing any accidental losses, and ensuring proper cleanup and disposal. These protocols not only adhere to OCS guidelines but also reflect A&R’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
6. Employee Training and Accountability
Training employees on the proper handling of plastic pellets is a critical component of OCS verification. A&R Bulk-Pak ensures that all personnel are properly trained in spill prevention, containment, cleanup, and disposal procedures. Furthermore, the company holds its employees accountable by encouraging them to sign the Employee Commitment Pledge, a key element of the OCS program. This pledge fosters a sense of responsibility among employees and reinforces the importance of preventing resin loss.
7. Compliance with Regulations
A&R Bulk-Pak adheres to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing plastic pellet containment. The company stays up-to-date on regulatory requirements to ensure its practices remain compliant with the law. This commitment to regulatory compliance further underscores A&R’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its role as a responsible corporate citizen.
8. Continuous Improvement and Inspections
As part of its OCS Logistics verification, A&R Bulk-Pak conducts routine inspections of its facilities to ensure that the company’s spill prevention measures are working as intended. This includes ongoing assessments of the worksite, equipment, and processes to identify areas for improvement and refine the company’s environmental controls. By continually evaluating its practices and seeking opportunities for enhancement, A&R ensures that its environmental protection efforts remain at the forefront of the industry.
About A&R Bulk-Pak
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, A&R Bulk-Pak is a leading contract packaging, warehousing and supply chain logistics company serving highly reputable petrochemical production and trading companies throughout North America. A&R prides itself on our unwavering attention to detail, attentiveness to safety and reliability and personalized engagements.