Internal Functions as a Vehicle to Implement Cleaner Production

Adding Value to Products and Services
Authors: Nascimento, Luis Felipe; Denise da Cunha Lemos, Angela; Abreu de Mello, Maria Celina
Source: Luis Felipe Nascimento

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Abstract:

Cleaner Production (CP) is defined by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) as a “preventive environmental strategy applied to processes, products and services to increase overall efficiency and productivity, improve business opportunities and reduce human and environmental risk”. (UNEP, 2002) CP is applied to productive processes, products and services. Despite the characterization of CP as a preventive environmental strategy designed to increase business opportunities, CP has rarely been used in this manner. Instead, organizations have generally implemented CP as an operational tool, with the aim of reducing the consumption of raw materials and energy in their production processes. Many organizations use the Environmental Health and Safety or the Production Function, rather than to other internal functions, as a vehicle for implementing CP. It means, CP is used as an operational tool, in which the objective is not to innovate and explore environmental opportunities, or to improve the level of commitment of the collaborators, or as an opportunity to develop products and services that can be produced within safe conditions and using non toxic substances.