Corex joins Operation Clean Sweep’s 2025 Nurdle Hunt

A nurdle is a very small pellet of plastic that serves as a raw material in the manufacture of plastic products. Unfortunately, when not managed responsibly, these tiny pellets can make their way into the environment, often turning up on beaches and in our oceans as a form of pollution.

The Nurdle Hunt is an annual event in Melbourne and Sydney organised by Operation Cleen Sweep. The Melbourne event was attended by over 60 participants representing every part of the plastics value chain, including suppliers, transporters, manufacturers and recyclers, as well as industry associations and staff from the Victorian EPA.

Together, we helped remove 28kg of litter from the Melbourne site. Plastic feedstock pollution was rated 4–5 in Melbourne, compared to 2–3 at the Sydney site, highlighting both the progress made and the ongoing challenges in preventing nurdle loss.

Although this hunt signifies a tiny amount of what is discarded carelessly, this event highlights the importance of manufacturers acting responsibly to prevent resin pellet loss into our storm water ecosystems.

The Corex team has taken back the recovered plastic resin pellets from both events for recycling and reuse. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post where we’ll show how we recycle and what we do with the recovered material!

Many years ago, Corex committed to zero pellet loss through our partnership with Operation Clean Sweep.

As custodians of polymers, we take our responsibility to protect the environment very seriously. With our focus on closed-loop manufacturing and zero post-industrial waste, it was a natural next step to formally join Operation Clean Sweep.

Operation Clean Sweep’s goal is to help every plastic resin handling operation implement effective housekeeping and pellet-containment practices, working towards zero pellet loss.

Pellet loss has significant negative impacts on individual companies, the plastics industry as a whole, and the environment.

When pellets are handled responsibly:

• Plastic is kept out of natural environments, including waterways and oceans
• Companies strengthen their reputation as responsible environmental stewards
• More material becomes usable product, rather than waste improving efficiency

These efforts not only protect the environment but also support stronger relationships with stakeholders and communities that expect the industry to minimise its environmental footprint.

The process of manufacturing Corflute® and PROMEG® sheet starts with raw ingredients in pellet form. These pellets are tiny and can easily end up on the floor and eventually in our waterways.

By joining Operation Clean Sweep, we’re protecting not only our own workplace, but the wider environment. It’s a win-win, and simply the right thing to do.

Corex has formally signed the pledge to demonstrate our commitment to a clean environment, and we are proud to be part of such an important movement.

Working Towards Sustainability

At Corex, we believe polymers can offer enormous benefits to society when managed responsibly. Their unique properties and recyclability allow for durability, efficiency and long-term functionality.

When utilised within a circular economy model, polymers place less strain on natural resources and enable a more sustainable, efficient supply chain.

Everything we manufacture is invited to be returned to Corex for recycling and reuse in the products of tomorrow.

Corex continues to be a thought leader and industry leader in creating a truly sustainable future for plastics.