Page 51 - Plastics News Issue October 2025
P. 51
FEATURE NEWS
SAFE AND COMPLIANT LOGISTICS FOR PLASTIC RAW
MATERIALS: BEST PRACTICES FOR PROCESSORS
The Compliance Concerns That Come with
Transporting Plastic Raw Materials
Maritime plastic pellet spills have placed a spot-
light on the transportation of plastic raw materi-
als and the pollution crises that occur when ac-
cidents occur. As a result, processors now have
to grapple with a range of regulatory standards
that vary according to country and mode of
transport. This includes:
♦ International standards such as the IMDG
Code (International Maritime Dangerous
Goods) and the ICAO Technical Instructions/
IATA DGR for air transport
♦ EU regulations such as REACH and CLP
♦ US EPA and Department of Transportation
lastic processors are under more pres-
sure than ever to ensure safer, more sus- regulations
Ptainable practices. Just recently, the EU Though the specifics of these standards differ,
announced a provisional agreement with new they share a focus on:
rules for the transportation of plastic pellets. The
focus, as with most current regulations, is on ♦ The use of sealed, durable containers that
preventing the loss of pellets into the environ- prevent plastic raw materials from spilling
ment. This announcement is just one example of during transit
the regulatory standards that global businesses ♦ The need for clear and accurate labelling on
have to comply with.
shipments so that they’re handled correctly
But how can processors ensure compliance with- ♦ Comprehensive documentation and data
out compromising on efficiency? The answer lies sheets that include details on shipment con-
with innovative logistics technologies such as tents as well as safety precautions
trackers and analytics platforms. By implement-
ing better tools and practices, businesses can Those who fail to comply with these regulations
improve sustainability and compliance while also risk incurring fines and supply chain disruptions
optimizing output. when cargo gets held up at customs or clients
October 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 51
