The Importance of Pellet Control

January 14, 2026
plastic resin pellets

Having been a logistics partner to the plastics industry for over four decades, we understand the importance of pellet (nurdle) control, which is preventing plastic resin loss throughout the supply chain. That's why we are a member of Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), a global plastics industry-led initiative founded in 1991. OCS encourages best practices in plastic resin handling, such as implementing physical barriers to capture spills, training employees on appropriate containment methods, and conducting regular audits of storage and handling processes.

Pellet control provides direct and measurable benefits to our clients, their customers, our employees, and our community, which is why we work hard to ensure safe handling, containment, transloading, packaging, and storage of plastic resin.

Six Top Reasons Pellet Control Matters:
1.
It protects the environment - Plastic pellets that enter our land and waterways pose serious ecological risks. Preventing pellet loss protects wildlife and lowers the risk of pollution to our ecosystems.
2.
It improves workplace safety - Pellets on floors are more than a housekeeping issue—they are a safety hazard. Scattered resin creates slip and fall risks for employees, drivers, and visitors. Effective pellet control practices reduce these risks, creating safer work environments and minimizing the potential for injury.
3.
It protects product integrity - Plastic pellets that have been improperly contained create contamination risks. These pellets can mix with other materials, compromising product integrity. Rigorous pellet containment processes ensure that the material delivered to customers matches their specifications, free from foreign matter.
4.
It reduces waste, providing cost savings - Lost pellets represent loss value. Spilled resin is material that cannot be recovered at full value (if at all). Moreover, it requires resources to adequately clean up and dispose of properly. Tightening pellet control saves money for clients and lowers operational expenses for those companies handling the material.
5.
It aligns with clients' and their customers' sustainability and ESG goals - Many companies have sustainability goals and environmental responsibility objectives. It is important that they work with partners that share their vision and meet or exceed the expected benchmarks. Established pellet control procedures reduce clients' supply chain risk and help them meet their own sustainability goals.
6.
It complies with governmental regulations - There are federal, state, local, and even international regulations or guidelines concerning the safe handling and disposal of plastic pellets. Implementing pellet control best practices helps companies avoid violating existing mandates, incurring associated fines, and encountering legal action.
Our participation in Operation Clean Sweep® reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing plastic resin loss and employing the best methods in the handling of plastic pellets. Pellet control not only safeguards the environment from plastic resin spills, but keeps workplaces safer, protects the integrity of customer material, prevents costs associated with lost product and cleanup efforts, aligns with clients' sustainability efforts, and meets applicable governmental regulations.