Pollution from plastic pellets scattered along the banks and in the water has to be handled by the Port of Rotterdam. Different industries produce these plastic pellets for use as a raw material for the manufacture of all sorts of plastic items.

Many companies are currently tackling the unintended loss of pellets during the manufacturing phase and transport.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is working with PlasticsEurope and other parties in this effort to achieve 'zero pellet loss'. For example, a digital round table conference on the subject has recently been organized by the Port Authority, PlasticsEurope and Ducor Petrochemicals. This conference was attended by a large number of businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations.

One of the outcomes of the conference is that there is a need for collaboration in the chain to achieve the target of zero pellet loss and that there is definitely a desire to do so. This summer, a drive for the clean-up of plastic pellets and plastic waste, carried out by the Port of Rotterdam Authority in cooperation with the companies Ducor and HEBO, also took place in the Port of London.

Due to the extra attention provided to the pollution of plastic pellets, a potential spike in new pellets on land or in water is currently being monitored by different parties. In addition, attempts are being made to take steps to avoid the loss of pellets.

Maritime Business World