Port operator PD Ports has signed up to the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) initiative, a project that introduces measures to keep plastic nurdles away from rivers and seas (making it the first UK port operator to do so).
The initiative is already in place around the UK at more than 250 sites, which until now have largely been plastics-manufacturing plants.
Teesport’s involvement in the venture adds to the number of initiatives the port already operates to work with river users to lessen plastic getting into the environment.
Commenting on the OCS participation, Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports chief operating officer and vice chairman, said: “Plastics are clearly important for a number of purposes, but it’s important that we all take responsibility for how they are managed and disposed of so as to not be detrimental to the planet.”
An OCS certificate was presented to PD Ports by UK member of parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Simon Clarke, while announcing the deal, at a September event hosted by the British Plastics Federation (BPF) — which runs OCS in the UK.
“Today’s news is a major step forward in the fight against plastic pollution and will delight the hundreds of my constituents who take part in regular beach cleans at Saltburn and along our local rivers and streams,” Mr Clarke said.
“The BPF is doing wonderful work tackling this scourge, and PD Ports deserves great credit for engaging swiftly and decisively as the first UK port to sign up to OCS.”