The plastic supply chain covers many handoff points, making responsible resin handling an effort that spans the industry. Gaps in procedures or delayed communication can increase the risk of resin loss.
Operation Clean Sweep covered these challenges by holding a webinar on “Improving Plastic Resin Handling Across the Supply Chain” in February 2026. The session highlighted real-world case studies from OCS Members and emphasized why resin loss prevention benefits from comprehensive strategies rather than a single fix. Speakers underscored the importance of clear responsibilities and multiple reinforcing controls across shippers, carriers, facilities, and contractors to support systems that help keep plastic resin contained during handling and transfers.
Loading and unloading conditions can vary significantly from site to site, and inconsistencies in staffing, equipment, or containment measures can increase the likelihood of releases. For that reason, communication and site readiness remain critical components of responsible resin handling.
During the webinar, Tanya Rogers, Senior Director of Compliance and Audit at Kenan Advantage Group, emphasized that stronger coordination between supply chain partners can help establish expectations before shipments move and support safer transfers once material arrives on site. As Rogers explained, “Prior to picking up a delivery or load, make sure a site assessment has been completed, and all parties involved in the supply chain — from the shipper to the logistics provider, to the consignee — are involved and on the same page.” Her remarks reinforced that resin loss prevention is supported not only by procedures, but also by timely communication and shared awareness of site conditions.
Standardized systems can also help logistics operations build more consistent resin handling practices. While equipment and containment infrastructure play an important role, long-term performance is often shaped by the day-to-day systems.
During the webinar, Scott Buber, Sr., Director – Chemical Division, Operations, Training, and Regulatory Compliance represented WSI LLC, describing how WSI responded to practices that varied across locations by creating a more unified approach. As Buber explained, “We did have inconsistent practices when transporting and transferring resin, so we needed one system that was the same across each site. While operations may be similar across locations, each site is inherently different, so we wanted an approach that could be transferred across locations in a seamless way.” His case study illustrated that resin loss prevention is strengthened when procedures are applied consistently.
As part of their effort, WSI standardized SOPs across sites, posted visual instructions at transfer points, defined cleanup verification expectations, and strengthened containment controls such as sealed floors, defined zones, drain protection inspections, and dedicated resin equipment. These examples show that resin loss prevention requires both coordination across supply chain partners and internal systems that support consistent performance at the facility level.
Clear communication before shipments is sent, stronger site readiness, standardized operating practices, and everyday accountability all contribute to more responsible resin handling. They also reinforce an important point raised during the webinar, which is that when issues do occur, supply chain partners are most effective when they work together to understand what happened and agree on corrective actions.
As Tanya Rogers explained, “When you have a major release and you get all three parties involved and sit around a table and really, as a group, work through the root cause and what could have gone better … it becomes clearer that we all could have done something to keep this from happening.” Scott Buber echoed that collaborative approach by emphasizing that identifying gaps in resin handling practices should be viewed as an opportunity for improvement. As he put it, “It’s never a gotcha game.” This reflects a broader principle of the OCS program that preventing plastic resin loss is a shared responsibility across the value chain.
By strengthening communication and being open to improvement, companies can better integrate resin loss prevention into routine work and support more effective handling throughout the supply chain. If your company is looking to strengthen collaboration across the supply chain, the OCS Member Directory is a helpful resource for identifying participating companies who share a commitment to preventing plastic resin loss. Use the directory to explore OCS Members across different parts of the value chain and consider where stronger coordination with your supply chain could support your own resin loss prevention efforts.