Since 2022, at the Seinehaven terminal, Steinweg has been working on Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), an international program aimed at preventing plastic granules from entering the environment. The initiative covers the entire supply chain, from production to recycling. Logistics providers play an important role in this process, which is why Steinweg actively joined the OCS program.
For Wesley Klaris (Division Manager Chemicals and Plastics) and Erwin den Beste (Operations Manager Chemicals), this was not just a paper exercise but a practical project with visible impact on the shop floor. This was achieved through technical measures and improved processes, but most importantly, through increased awareness among employees.
An international standard translated into practice
Operation Clean Sweep is broadly structured. “It’s an overarching program for the entire supply chain”, Wesley explains. “From production to recycling, everyone involved must ensure that no plastic ends up in the environment. As a company that warehouses and handling such product, we are part of that chain. Within our part of the supply chain, we want to contribute by eliminating environmental impact as much as possible.”
Steinweg started the initiative at the Seinehaven site in 2022, not because it was mandatory, but because it made sense. “We felt that as an organization we needed to take responsibility”, says Erwin. “Especially considering the volume of plastic granulates handled at this location.”
Why the Seinehaven?
The choice for the Seinehaven site is easy to explain. Within Steinweg it is the dedicated location for plastics and chemicals. The silos are located here, repacking activities take place here, and therefore this is also where the main risk of plastic granules being released into the environment exists.
“As long as a product remains in sealed packaging, there is no risk”, says Erwin. “But as soon as you start repacking, disconnecting lines or transferring product from packaging into bulk, there is a chance that plastic is released. That is the moment when you need to ensure it does not end up in the environment.” This requires measures that fit the daily operation. Not one single solution, but a series of adjustments in processes, procedures, infrastructure, and behaviour.
From drainage baskets to sweepers
The core of Operation Clean Sweep at the Seinehaven site lies in controlling losses during handling. In other words: identifying where plastic granules may be released, capturing them where necessary and preventing them from spreading further. One of the measures is the installation of collection baskets in the drainage system. The openings in these baskets are smaller than the plastic granules themselves, allowing water to pass through while the plastic is captured.
“We empty those baskets every month, weigh what we collect and record it”, Wesley explains. “At the end of the year we can show how many kilograms we have prevented from entering the environment through our control measures.” The operation has also been adjusted in other areas. A special electric sweeper, suitable for use at a chemical location, was purchased. In addition, industrial vacuum cleaners are used to immediately remove released plastic granules and prevent them from spreading.
Existing processes were also critically reviewed, including the cleaning of silos. “In the past this was done in a different way”, says Erwin. “Now we’ve added extra filtration. It may not seem like large volumes per silo, but together it adds up.”
Awareness on the work floor
What makes Operation Clean Sweep particularly valuable at the Seinehaven site is that the project does not remain limited to management or procedures. It has also become part of the day-to-day mindset on the work floor. “That was really our aim”, says Wesley. “That it would create a ripple effect, where people start thinking more critically about it themselves.” That is exactly what has happened. Ideas no longer come only from management, but also from employees.
“It’s great to see”, Wesley continues. “You notice that support grows across the entire site. ”Erwin adds: “It’s also about listening to your people. Sometimes they come up with ideas that turn out not to be feasible, conversely, sometimes they bring very practical solutions. In that case you need to give them the space to make it happen.”
Annual audit, continuous improvement
Operation Clean Sweep is not a one-time initiative. Steinweg undergoes an annual audit. Recently, the Seinehaven site was audited again and received a positive outcome within the OCS program. During such an inspection, not only the processes are reviewed, but also the registrations, the follow-up of earlier improvement points and the way Steinweg manages risks.
“The auditor really looks at the bigger picture”, says Wesley. “What have we implemented? How do we monitor it? What results does it produce? And how does that relate to our activities?” At the same time, the audit also serves as a moment to exchange ideas, Erwin adds. “Because the auditor visits companies around the world, he also brings new insights and we can share our ideas in order that they are further shared with other companies.”
More than just OCS
What started as an environmental project has now had a broader impact. Steinweg notices that the subject increasingly appears in other audits and inspections as well. “It started as an environmental initiative, which was our main motivation”, says Erwin. “But we now see that other authorities and audit bodies also pay attention to it in chemical audits, ISO audits and government inspections. That’s a very positive side effect.”
By addressing this topic seriously, Steinweg not only improves the environmental performance of the site but also strengthens its overall quality and compliance position.
Proud, but above all practical
Wesley and Erwin are proud of what has been achieved at the Seinehaven site because the project demonstrates how a location can improve step by step, with practical, concrete ideas driven by the people working in the operation itself. “The nice thing is that it’s not something that only exists on paper”, Wesley concludes.
That is exactly the value of Operation Clean Sweep for Steinweg, not in the certificate itself, but in a way of working that leads to less loss, more awareness, and a cleaner operation and consequently cleaner environment.
For more insights into how Steinweg delivers safe and reliable logistics solutions in the chemical sector, read our article Unique international service in the chemical industry – Steinweg.
Published on March 31, 2026