The plastics pipe and fittings industry for many decades have been committed to reducing their environmental footprint – from designing circular long-life products (in excess of 100 years’ service life) through to extended producer responsibility – closing the loop. Over the past few years with the support of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) and the industry body, PIPA (Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia); PIPA members have shown their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsible by taking the pledge or working towards their commitment to playing a vital role to help pellet loss in Australia. As one of the largest consumers of raw materials in Australia manufacturing long life products, they are proud to be a partner. Executive General Manager of PIPA, Cindy Bray states “We believe everyone in the industry has a role and responsibility to play throughout the supply chain. It’s a collective effort, where every little thing counts, and simple efforts allow for effective results.” read more
As the main campaigns goal is to help plastic resin handling operation from manufacturing, transporting, fabricating, and installing implement good housekeep and pellet containment practices – this journey working towards achieving zero pellet loss cannot be done alone. OCS provides a network to collaborate and share experiences and insights. Late last month one of PIPA’s members Iplex Pipelines along with PIPA were able to share the experience of taking the OCS commitment and journey with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), inviting them on site to show and talk through the housekeeping and pellet containment practices in place to assist in the development of the Operation Clean Sweep target listed in the NSW Plastics Action Plan. The visit included a tour of the factory, where PVC pipes are manufactured, the silo’s where the raw material is stored including the systems in place for containment and facilities where recycling of pipes and fittings takes place. The tour included inspection of stormwater drains which have systems in place to capture powder loss and discussion on the audit processes that have taken place. Being part of a scheme like OCS provides an opportunity to educate and provide awareness with employees within organisations, suppliers, customers and the broader industry on the real actions being taken to help protect the environment and our precious waterways and start a discussion how they too can play a role in achieving zero pellet loss.
