Industry and policy action against microplastics pollution

Microplastics pollution is a major concern for scientists, policy makers, the public and the plastics industry alike. They are found around the world, including in remote areas, and some research suggests that microplastics are even found in the human body. While extensive research continues to advance to fill the gaps in our understanding of microplastics effects on human health and the environment (see EFSA), we take this issue seriously. We are committed to preventing microplastics pollution from our own operations and act on this through our initiatives and by implementing regulations.

Industry Initiative Operation Clean Sweep®

The plastics industry established a voluntary stewardship program, called Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), to prevent the loss of plastic pellets, flakes and powder (microplastics below 5 mm) throughout the production and handling processes. Covestro signed the OCS pledge in 2017 and supports the goal of keeping plastic pellets out of the environment.

Covestro analyzes its facilities for potential pellet loss, implements measures to address any findings, and trains employees to ensure adherence to the program. We also encourage greater involvement from the value chain, actively reaching out to our supply chain partners, logistics providers, and customers for their support of the program. Covestro has voluntarily integrated OCS into its existing ISO certification. OCS-relevant measures for preventing microplastic and pellet emissions are audited regularly.

Operation Clean Sweep® is a global initiative active across all major markets.

For information on the program in Europe see here and for other regions consult the following website.

Regulatory Initiatives

Policy makers in the European Union have defined different policies to address microplastics in different forms:

• SPM REACH (EU Regulation 2023/2055) defines intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) as being 5 mm or smaller, solid and comprising at least 1% synthetic polymer by weight. The regulation requires emission reporting under REACH and the provision of SPM related product information to customers in terms of composition, responsible use, and disposal in order to prevent environmental SPM release.
• The EU Pellet Loss Regulation addresses the prevention of plastic pellet losses throughout the supply chain by installing measures to reduce plastic pellet pollution. The definition includes flakes and powder.
• The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) addresses microplastics and provides a broad microplastics definition. If this represents a material topic, the CSRD requires the reporting of microplastics leaving the production sites in form of emissions or sales. The respective numbers are to be published in the annual sustainability report.

Find more details about our activities and progress in our Annual Report.