Plastic feedstock is the raw material such as flakes, powder, recycled chips and resin pellets used to make plastic products. These products include rainwater tanks, pipes, medical supplies, textiles, electronics, food containers and drink bottles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic resin pellets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic feedstock powder.

 

During product manufacturing, installation and maintenance, plastic feedstock can be released into the environment as residue or material offcuts called swarf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plastic feedstock swarf.

 

Plastic feedstock comes in different shapes and sizes. Most are less than 5 mm in diameter and are called ‘microplastics’. They can be brightly coloured, colourless or opaque. They gradually turn light yellow or brown and become smaller over time. 

How to manage plastic feedstock 

Managing plastic feedstock (publication 1701.1) can help businesses understand their obligations to manage any uncontrolled release of plastic feedstock under the general environmental duty so far as reasonably practicable. Especially operators that produce, manufacture, transport, store, handle, use, install and maintain plastic products. And those that collect, recycle or dispose of plastic feedstock. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wide mouth hopper contains release of uncontrolled plastic feedstock into the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drain mesh guard contains release of uncontrolled plastic feedstock into the environment during rainfall events.

Why plastic feedstock is a problem 

Release of plastic feedstock can occur during production, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, use and reuse, collection and recycling.

Plastic feedstock can:

• be blown into the air 
• enter freshwater and marine habitats as microplastics
• attract chemical pollutants to its surfaces
• be eaten by animals and harm their health 
• enter the food chain and harm human health.

Spills and mishandling can cause the release of plastic feedstock into surrounding environments. For example, land, stormwater systems, waterways and the ocean.      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tear in a one tonne bulk bag resulting in release of uncontrolled plastic resin pellets into the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tear in a storage bag resulting in release of uncontrolled plastic resin pellets into the environment.

 

Plastic feedstock can look like fish eggs and be eaten by animals, which can harm their health. Plastic fragments have been found in the gut of animals such as seabirds, fish, turtles, and seals.  

Chemical pollutants and metals can stick to the surface of plastic feedstock. It can enter the food chain when eaten by animals. This increases the risk of harm to human health. 

Operation Clean Sweep Australia is an industry program that provides further information on how to manage plastic feedstock.