Borealis has announced that it has successfully completed the Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) certification process across all its polyolefin (PO) production locations. This achievement marks a major milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to prevent pellet loss and minimize environmental impact. The certification is the result of more than six years of dedicated work, involving collaboration with industry stakeholders, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to ensure the highest standards of environmental responsibility.

Since its inception, Borealis has been committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. In 2014, the company was among the first to sign the OCS pledge when it was introduced in Europe, reinforcing its proactive approach to preventing plastic leakage into the environment. However, as public and regulatory scrutiny over microplastics intensified, Borealis recognized the need to go beyond voluntary commitments. Understanding that a structured and verifiable certification system would be necessary to establish credibility, Borealis joined forces with PlasticsEurope and other key industry players to develop a robust standard.

The new OCS certification framework was designed to enhance accountability and transparency. It was built on six core principles outlined in the original OCS pledge and aligned with the ISO 14001 environmental management system, ensuring a structured and consistent approach across the industry. Borealis took a leadership role in integrating these principles into its operational framework, embedding them within its existing environmental management systems.

A major step in this journey was the implementation of OCS certification across Borealis’ production sites. The company’s Belgian facilities in Kallo and Antwerp played a pioneering role by being among the first globally to pilot and achieve full certification. By the end of 2023, these sites had successfully completed the certification process, setting a precedent for other locations. Building on this momentum, Borealis expanded the implementation across all its PO production sites, culminating in full certification of all facilities by early March 2025.

Achieving this milestone reinforces Borealis’ position as a leader in driving sustainability within the plastics industry. The company’s proactive stance not only ensures compliance with upcoming regulatory requirements but also serves as a benchmark for responsible plastic production and management. By prioritizing zero pellet loss, Borealis contributes to the broader industry effort to reduce plastic pollution and promote circularity.

Reflecting on this success, Wolfram Krenn, Borealis Executive Vice President Operations, stated, “Our commitment to Zero Pellet Loss has positioned Borealis at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the European plastics industry. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who continue to reinvent essentials for sustainable living.”

Through its ongoing efforts, Borealis remains dedicated to setting new standards in environmental responsibility while advancing sustainability across the entire plastics value chain.