New standard to help prevent plastic pellet loss

BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, has today published a new standard to help organizations achieve and maintain zero plastic pellet loss across their pellet handling operations (See the press release on BSI website here).

The new standard, named PAS 510: Plastic pellets, flakes and powders – Handling and management throughout the supply chain to prevent their leakage to the environment – Specification, sets out requirements for the handling and management of plastic pellets, flakes and powders throughout the supply chain to prevent spills, leaks and loss to the environment. It covers topics such as organizational responsibilities, leadership and commitment, competence and training, risk assessment and operational controls.

Read a Factsheet on the PAS 510 Here

Plastic pellets, flakes and powders are the raw materials used to make plastic products, including mouldings, pipes and packaging. As a result of handling and management practices, pellets can be lost to the environment at every stage of the plastic supply chain from production and manufacturing to transport and storage1. Once in the environment, pellets and other types of microplastics, are known to be eaten by a range of animals and are known be harmful2.

David Fatscher, Head of Environment, Social and Governance Standards at BSI, said:

“Every part of the supply chain has a responsibility to contain any pellets they handle or manage to ensure that they do not contribute to the global plastic pollution problem. With PAS 510, for the first-time organizations have the means to put a disciplined and systematic process in place for the handling and management of plastic pellets. The new standard is an excellent example of BSI’s commitment as the UK National Standards Body to support industry, government and society in our common ambition to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

Scottish Government Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform, Màiri McAllan said:

“This is an important step in tackling marine plastic. I am proud that the Scottish Government has been able to support the creation of the first standard to help prevent plastic pellet pollution. This collaborative work with the plastics industry will help businesses across the world take practical steps to protect our environment.”

Adela Putinelu, BPF Senior Sustainability Executive said:

“PAS 510 is a powerful tool to prevent plastic pellet pollution. The BPF is pleased to build on the success of Operation Clean Sweep® with a standardised approach for the entire supply chain. The loss of these raw materials can have serious environmental and economic consequences, and the new standard developed via this collaborative project will play a vital role in minimising this risk.”

Victoria Sant, Senior Adviser at the Investor Forum said:

“The Investor Forum was delighted to have been able to bring together the investor group to help address this aspect of plastic pollution.  We believe this is the first time investors have collaborated with other stakeholders to sponsor a standard and catalyse change in this way.  Investors can now use PAS510 to engage with portfolio companies, and to inform their assessment of environmental risk management processes.” 

Tanya Cox, Technical Specialist, Marine Plastics at Fauna & Flora International (FFI) said:

“Plastic pellets are estimated to be the second largest source of direct microplastic pollution entering the ocean, where they can have severe impacts on a wide range of species, including fish (which provide critical protein to billions of people) and seabirds, such as puffins. We are pleased to be part of this crucial initiative bringing together experts from industry, government and the non-profit sector to develop a globally applicable standard that can be used by all stages of the plastic supply chain to address this preventable source of plastic pollution in our oceans.”

The standard has been developed by a steering group3 including representatives from plastics, environmental, recycling and retail organizations. It is intended for organizations across the globe of any size in any part of the supply chain that handles or manages pellets, including raw material manufacturers, distributors, storage facilities, recyclers, transporters, and plastics processors.

The standard is sponsored by Marine Scotland, the British Plastic Federation and an investor co-sponsor group, convened by the Investor Forum, which comprised: Allianz Global Investors, Brewin Dolphin, Environment Agency Pension Fund, Generation Investment Management, LGPS Central, McInroy & Wood, Man Group, Ownership Capital, and Troy Asset Management.  Fauna and Flora International represented the Investor co-sponsor group on the steering group.

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