Sustainable Logistics in the Chemical Sector: From Pledge to Practice. Operation Clean Sweep at GOBO

At GOBO, we take our role as a logistics partner in the chemical sector very seriously. Safety, quality, and sustainability are at the core of our activities. That is why in 2019 we signed the Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) Pledge, an international commitment to prevent pellet loss throughout the entire value chain. By signing this pledge, we commit ourselves to actively contributing to a cleaner environment and to preventing microplastics from reaching rivers, seas, and oceans.

The Challenge

Plastic pellets are a crucial raw material for the chemical industry. However, during transport, transshipment, and storage there is always a risk of spillage. Even small losses can lead to soil and water pollution, with negative consequences for the environment, biodiversity, and the reputation of the sector.

For GOBO, the challenge was twofold:

  • Prevention: how can we avoid pellet loss during transport, cross-docking, storage, and cleaning?
  • Awareness: how can we ensure that all our employees and partners are fully aware of the importance of OCS?

Our Approach

After signing the OCS Pledge, we developed a step-by-step action plan:

Policies & Procedures

  • Integration of OCS principles into our existing ISO 9001 and SQAS management systems.
  • Specific SOPs for pellet handling and transport, including emergency procedures in case of spills.

Infrastructure & Equipment

  • Provision of special containment materials and OCS kits in our warehouses and trucks.
  • Investments in cleaning facilities adapted for pellet flows.

Training & Awareness

  • Internal training for drivers, forklift operators, and warehouse staff.
  • Toolbox meetings where practical cases of pellet loss are discussed.

Monitoring & Reporting

  • Registration of incidents and improvement actions through our digital quality platform.
  • Regular internal audits and KPI reporting.

The Results

Thanks to these efforts, within the first year of the pledge we already achieved tangible results:

  • Increased awareness among all employees, confirmed during internal audits and SQAS assessments.
  • Stronger collaboration with our customers, many of whom have also signed the OCS pledge and see this as an important selection criterion for their logistics partners.

The Future

Signing the OCS Pledge is not an endpoint for GOBO but a starting point. In the coming years we will:

  • Further refine our reporting with KPIs on pellet loss and clean-up actions.
  • Actively involve partners and subcontractors in our OCS implementation.
  • Explore innovative solutions, such as digital traceability of pellet flows using QR codes.

Conclusion

By signing the OCS Pledge, GOBO confirms its position as a ‘Best in Class’ logistics service provider in the chemical sector. With concrete measures, training programs, and investments, we contribute to a cleaner environment and demonstrate that sustainable logistics and quality go hand in hand.

Operation Clean Sweep® is not a campaign for us – it is part of our daily practice.