10/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2026 10:31
HOUSTON, Texas -Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS), a globally recognized resin stewardship program jointly administered by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) Plastics Division, recognized the 2026 OCS Difference Maker Award recipients during OCS CON 2026 in Houston.
During the conference, two individuals and three organizations were recognized with the 2026 OCS Difference Maker Awards, which honor leaders who have gone above and beyond to advance the goal of zero resin loss throughout the plastics supply chain.
This year's recipients are:
"The Difference Maker Awards recognize the people and companies turning the goals of Operation Clean Sweep into meaningful progress on the ground," said Patrick Krieger, senior vice president of sustainability and policy at PLASTICS. "Their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement are leading the charge for stronger resin stewardship throughout the industry. Congratulations to each of this year's recipients.
"Ambitious goals are just words without the people and organizations who make them a reality," said Adam Peer, senior director of plastics sustainability at the American Chemistry Council. "Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Operation Clean Sweep Difference Maker Awards. They are shining examples to the rest of the industry as we strive toward zero plastic resin loss across the full supply chain."
OCS CON, the program's signature annual event, brought together over 160 attendees and featured more than 30 speakers across 20 sessions. Discussions focused on resin loss prevention, operational strategies and new technologies.
The event also gave attendees a firsthand look at the infrastructure and transportation networks that make Houston a critical hub for the plastics industry. Through tours of Space Center Houston, the Port of Houston and County Line Rail Yard, attendees saw the role transportation, logistics and responsible material handling play across the plastics supply chain. The conference also featured an offsite event at the Houston Downtown Aquarium, offering a unique experience while reinforcing the program's commitment to protecting waterways and keeping plastic resin out of the environment.
For more information about Operation Clean Sweep or OCS CON 2026, click here.
The American Chemistry Council's mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably-for generations to come.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, representing nearly one million workers in the $432 billion U.S. industry. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members and the industry more globally competitive while advancing recycling and sustainability. To learn more about PLASTICS' education initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, networking opportunities and policy advocacy and the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show, visit plasticsindustry.org. Connect with PLASTICS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
The American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division represents America's Plastic MakersSM and the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America's Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We're linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We're making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.
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