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Chapter 2

Cleaner Production

2.1 Introduction

The term cleaner production (CP) was launched 1989 by the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) as a response to the question of how to pro-
duce in a sustainable manner. Its core element is prevention vs clean-up or
end-of-pipe treatment to environmental problems. Resources should be used
efficiently thus reducing environmental pollution and improving health and
safety. Economic profitability together with environmental improvement is
the aim. Cleaner production typically includes measures such as good house-
keeping, process modifications, eco-design of products, and cleaner technologies,
etc. The United Nations Environment Program defines cleaner production
as “the continuous application of an integrated, preventative environmental
strategy to processes, products and services to increase eco-efficiency and
reduce risks to humans and the environment” (UNEP, 1997).
Cleaner production is a preventive approach to environmental man-
agement; it is a term that encompasses eco-efficiency and pollution preven-
tion concepts with risk reduction to humans and the environment. Cleaner
production is not against economic growth, it just insists that the growth is
sustainable. Therefore cleaner production is a “win–win” strategy. It pro-
tects the environment, conserves our natural resources while improving the
operating industrial efficiency, profitability, company image and competi-
tiveness. Cleaner production focuses on conservation of natural resources
such as water, energy and raw materials and avoids the end-of-pipe treat-
ment. It involves rethinking for products, processes and services to move
towards sustainable development.
By considering production processes, cleaner production includes con-
serving raw materials and energy, eliminating toxic raw materials, and reduc-
ing the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and wastes before they leave a
process. For products, the strategy focuses on reducing impacts along the
entire life cycle of the product. Cleaner production is achieved by applying
know-how, by improving technology, and by changing attitudes. Changing

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