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OCS Certification Scheme 

What is the Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) Certification Scheme?

The Operation Clean Sweep® Certification Scheme is an industry-led, voluntary initiative aimed at preventing the loss of plastic pellets, flakes, and powders into the environment. It establishes a structured set of requirements for companies across the plastics value chain to improve handling, containment, and disposal practices. The ultimate goal: zero pellet loss, protecting waterways, wildlife, and brand reputation.

As consultants, we guide businesses through the steps to become OCS certified, from gap analysis and compliance planning to full implementation and audit readiness.

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From the consultation you will:

  • Speak directly to a sustainability professional
  • Get expert advice on your business requirement
  • Understand the benefits of certification for your business
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Why Compliance Matters: From Regulation to Reputation

Governments and environmental regulators across Europe are tightening controls on plastic waste management. While OCS certification is currently voluntary, it’s increasingly seen as a best-practice standard and could become mandatory as part of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation.

But it’s not just about ticking boxes. Customers, investors, and the public are demanding visible, credible sustainability actions. By reducing pellet loss, your business demonstrates leadership, responsibility, and commitment to a circular economy a vital message in a time of increasing environmental scrutiny.

Who Must Comply – Is Your Business in Scope?

The OCS Certification Scheme applies to a wide range of stakeholders in the plastics value chain, including:

  • Plastics manufacturers

  • Compounders and converters

  • Storage, logistics, and transport companies handling plastic materials

  • Recyclers and waste processors

  • Packaging producers and distributors

If your operations include any handling of raw plastic materials in pellet, flake, or powder form,
you are likely within scope of this certification.
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Core Rules and Principles of the OCS Scheme

The OCS Certification Scheme is based on a series of technical and operational requirements, including:

  • Risk identification at every handling point (production, transport, storage)

  • Implementation of containment systems and clean-up protocols

  • Staff training and awareness initiatives

  • Record-keeping and traceability of incidents and corrective actions

  • Regular internal audits and external third-party assessments

  • Commitment to continuous improvement in pellet loss prevention

Certification is granted based on compliance with a harmonised set of requirements audited by approved third parties, with ongoing monitoring and renewal obligations.

Why Work with CG Business Consulting?

At CGBC, we make certification easier, faster, and more strategic:

  •  Specialist Knowledge: Our expert consultants have deep experience across ISO standards and environmental compliance, with a sharp understanding of OCS’s unique requirements.

  •  Customised Roadmaps: We don’t do one-size-fits-all. We assess your current operations and build tailored action plans that align with your team’s resources, site layout, and environmental goals.

  •  Seamless Integration: Need to integrate OCS with ISO 14001 or ESG reporting? We help embed OCS into your existing management systems.

  •  Audit Confidence: We prepare you thoroughly for your third-party audit with internal readiness checks and on-site coaching.

  •  Sustainability Reputation: Achieving OCS certification shows your commitment to corporate responsibility, enhancing your reputation with customers, regulators, and investors alike.

Let’s Keep Plastic Out of the Environment Together

OCS certification is more than a badge, it’s a tangible action in your sustainability strategy. Partner with CG Business Consulting to move from intent to impact.

Get in touch today to start your OCS certification journey with Ireland’s leading compliance experts.

Book a Free Consultation

From the consultation you will:

  • Speak directly to an ISO professional
  • Get expert advice on your business requirement
  • Understand the benefits of certification for your business
Secure Your Free Consultation
ISO Consultancy

Ireland’s Leading ISO Consultancy

BOOK a free consultation

From the consultation you will:

  • Speak directly to an ISO professional
  • Get expert advice on your business requirement
  • Understand the benefits of certification for your business
Secure Your Free Consultation