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.
2026 Difference Maker Award Recipients
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 2026
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.
About the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $533.6 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advance recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
About the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division
The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers and technicians who develop plastics essential to modern life. From healthcare and clean energy to transportation and safe food and water, plastics drive innovation and strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting key industries and creating well-paying jobs. Companies are investing billions annually in U.S. production and recycling, advancing manufacturing and efficiency across economic sectors. We envision a future where all plastic products are reused or recycled, conserving resources and creating a cleaner, safer and more resilient world.
