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2.5 Cleaner Production Techniques Cleaner Production 25
The key difference between cleaner production and other methods like pol-
lution control is the choice of the timing, cost and sustainability. Pollution
control follows a “react and treat” rule, while cleaner production adopts
“prevention is better than cure”. Cleaner production focuses on before-the-
event techniques that can be categorized as shown in Figure 2.1 as follows:

• Source reduction:
– Good housekeeping
– Process changes:
◆ Better process control
◆ Equipment modification
◆ Technology change
◆ Input material change.
• Recycling:
– On-site recycling
– Useful byproducts through off-site recycling.
• Product modification.

Implementing cleaner production techniques while performing the cleaner
production audit (as will be explained later) will generate options for cleaner
production opportunities within the industry. It can be seen that there is no
solid boundary between any of the above-mentioned cleaner production
techniques. Some of the cleaner production opportunities might require one

Cleaner production
techniques

Product
Reduction Recycling
modification

Process Off-site On-site
change recycling recycling

Good Process Process Technology Raw material
housekeeping control modification change change

FIGURE 2.1 Cleaner production techniques