Bonson Packaging Achieves OCS NZ Certification: Our Commitment to Protecting Aotearoa’s Waterways
We’re proud to announce that Bonson Packaging has successfully passed the Operation Clean Sweep New Zealand (OCS NZ) audit, conducted in November 2025. This certification represents our commitment to preventing plastic pellets, flakes, and powder from entering Aotearoa New Zealand’s precious waterways and oceans.
What is Operation Clean Sweep?
Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) is a global initiative dedicated to preventing plastic pellets, flakes, and powders from entering the environment. In Aotearoa New Zealand, OCS is managed by Plastics New Zealand, and certification requires a rigorous audit to ensure companies have robust measures in place to prevent pellet pollution.
For Bonson, this certification isn’t just a badge, it’s a powerful tool to demonstrate our commitment to industry leadership in sustainable practices.
Why Zero Pellet Loss Matters
The journey of plastic pollution often begins with something deceptively small. Spilled plastic pellets, flakes, and powders can easily enter stormwater drains, flowing directly into our awa (rivers) and moana (ocean). Although these materials may seem insignificant due to their size, they pose serious threats:
- Wildlife at risk: Small plastics are easily ingested by marine life and birds, threatening entire ecosystems
- Kai moana contamination: Even small amounts of pellets can impact our seafood sources
- Resource inefficiency: Lost pellets represent wasted material and production costs
- Workplace safety: Spilled pellets create slip hazards for our team members
The reality is stark: stormwater doesn’t get treated before it reaches natural waterways. What goes down the drain goes straight into our environment.
Our Commitment to ZERO Pellet Loss
Achieving OCS NZ certification required us to implement comprehensive measures across our operations:
- Immediate spill containment and cleaning protocols: Our team is trained to respond quickly to any spills, preventing pellets from reaching drains
- Proper material disposal: All loose material is bagged before disposal, eliminating the risk of environmental escape
- Well-maintained stormwater filters: Regular maintenance ensures our drainage systems capture any stray materials
- Ongoing monitoring and improvement: We continuously review our practices to identify and eliminate potential pollution pathways
Leadership in Action
By joining OCS NZ and achieving certification, Bonson is taking tangible action to:
- Prevent pellet pollution from our operations
- Enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste
- Minimise workplace safety risks
- Be an environmentally responsible manufacturer
Looking Forward
This certification reflects our broader commitment to environmental stewardship. Just as we’re phasing out black polypropylene to improve recyclability, we’re taking every opportunity to reduce our environmental footprint throughout our operations.
Protecting Aotearoa’s waterways isn’t optional; it’s our responsibility. We’re proud to be certified under OCS NZ, and we’ll continue working to ensure that ZERO pellets from our facility reach our rivers, oceans, and ecosystems.
Because protecting our environment starts with the smallest details.
