C.

CLEANER PRODUCTION

C.1. Definition

Cleaner production (CP) is a preventative approach to managing the environmental impacts of

business processes and products. CP uses changes in technology, processes, resources or practices to
reduce waste, environmental and health risks; minimize environmental damage; use energy and
resources more efficiently; increase business profitability and competitiveness; and increase the
efficiency of production processes. Cleaner production is applicable to all businesses, regardless of size
or type.

C.2. Main Features

Cleaner production is an ongoing process that can be applied to production processes; products;
or services; or it can be extend to cover the entire lifecycle of a product or service. Some cleaner
production techniques include:

 Changes in technology  Changes in waste use

 Changes in input materials  Changes in maintenance
 Changes in operating practices  Changes in packaging
 Changes in product design

Cleaner production is related to other sustainability concepts such as eco-efficiency; environmental

sound technologies; life cycle assessment; green procurement and zero emissions. For cleaner
production to succeed, senior management support, staff awareness and participation, and staff input is
required.

The impetus behind cleaner production includes:

 reduction of operation or pollution  corporate environmental plans or

license fees; policies;
 regulations;  cost savings; and
 corporate image;  product bans.

Barriers to implementing a CP program include:

 lack of finances (perceived or real);  lack of human resources; and

 low environmental awareness or  limited access to appropriate
concern of the organization; technology.
 lack of organizational support;
The CP technique employed by organizations differs, however, the basic CP process is:

1. Planning and organization - organization are made aware of the CP process, stakeholder input sort, CP
team formed, environmental policy reviewed or written, and budgets and program created.

2. Assessment - material inputs and outputs identified and assessed, current processes and costs
assessed, environmental and health impacts reviewed, CP options identified.
3. Feasibility analysis - each CP option is assessed for its environmental impact and its technological and
economic viability, final CP option selected.

4. Implementation - selected CP option is implemented and a monitoring and evaluation program

established.

5. Continuation - regular audits conducted and findings feed back into the decision-making process,
stakeholders informed of progress and gains.

C.3. Case Studies and Examples

1. Orange Juice

An orange juice manufacturer in Australia was drying its waste orange peels and selling them as
stock feed. However, the drying process created 4 million tons of effluent a month, which was causing
environmental problems. After assessing the problem, it was found that some of the effluent
components, namely citrus oil and sugar, could be captured and sold. A technological investment of AU
$1,000,000 resulted in an AU $450,000 saving in waste disposal costs per year and an income of AU
$250,000 from sales of citrus oil and molasses.

2. Lead Acid Batteries

Through funding provided by the United States Agency for International Development, a Tunisia
Lead Acid Battery manufacturer saved over US $2.2 million in two years from an investment of US
$400,000. Through the implementation of 19 pollution prevention options, the cost of treating
chemicals was reduced by 66%; the cost associated with future pollution prevention technology was
reduced by 33%; employee health was improved; energy and water consumption were reduced; less
lead was required in the process; and wastewater quality was improved.

C.4. Stakeholders

Key stakeholders are the organization's management and staff; suppliers; and end users. Other
stakeholders include government; non-government organizations; business associations; and research
institutions.

Many international organizations are involved in preventive policy development and actively
participating in the programs focusing on cleaner production and preventing pollution.

International Organizations

 The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)

UNEP is one of the main international players. Every two years, UNEP organizes global High-
Level Seminars on CP. UNEP is also the initiator of the International Declaration on CP. Furthermore, it
has carried out work on CP financing, and has been coordinating the worldwide program of National CP
Centers, together with UNIDO.

 The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

UNIDO initiated together with UNEP the worldwide National CP Centre Program in 1994. UNIDO
is responsible for overall administration, local liaison, and provision of industrial technical expertise,
especially for sectorial industrial demonstrations. Both organizations are also providing expertise on
training, information and policy analysis.

 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

OECD is involved in promoting sound environmental management practices in many member

and non-member countries. The OECD coordinated the drafting of a Policy Statement on Environmental
Management in Enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe and NIS. The Working Party on Pollution
Prevention and Control has published a Guide on Strategic Waste Prevention.

Target Sectors

The program targets at industry sectors which-

 involve production processes resulting in substantial emission of air pollutants

 use large quantities of potentially environmentally damaging chemicals or materials

 consume large quantities of fuel and energy

 have a good potential for achieving environmental improvement

Priority for funding support will be given to companies with factories belonging to any of the
following targeted industries:

 Food and beverage

 Chemical Products
 Textiles
 Paper/product manufacturing
 Printing and publishing
 Non-metallic mineral products
 Metal and metal products
 Furniture

C.5. Scale of Operation

Cleaner production is best implemented at the operation or business scale.

Reference:

http://www.gdrc.org/sustdev/concepts/02-c-prod.html

https://www.cleanerproduction.hk/en_project2a.asp?fbclid=IwAR0DVnGsoxmq4HZ-GEpbMh1zRMdiA-
XXP-BQlvyXxMwesXvMSRtokm6q-Pk