Cleaner Production is directed at the processes that generate waste. Innovative thinking can often lead to minor process changes, which prevent waste being produced in the first place. This can be a very profitable exercise for any company.

Defined by UNEP

Cleaner Production is defined by the United Nations Environment Program as "The introduction of revised processes, management and housekeeping practices from the beginning to the end of the business process, including redesign of products, with the emphasis on reducing waste and pollution at source".

Put simply, Cleaner Production means that production without waste is possible. Many case studies show that wastes, and the cost of waste, can be eliminated. End-of-pipe treatment of industrial waste is not viable in the long term and money spent developing such treatments would be better spent eliminating production of waste at the source.

The Global Approach

All enterprises can be defined in terms of: 

• Operations
• Equipment
• Processes

By starting with a company’s operations we introduce awareness training and good housekeeping practices to the production workforce. Process optimisation and simple containment or recycling concepts are explored. These are generally low-cost activities, which bring a high return.

Next, the equipment used in production is examined in detail to establish whether introduction of process control (monitoring equipment) or physical modifications would be effective. Sometimes, waste segregation at source allows for new profitable uses of the waste.

Finally, the process itself is studied to determine whether more complex technology is required, or changes to process, raw materials or use of catalysts is appropriate. Even reformulation of the product may be required.

A New Paradigm

Cleaner Production turns the traditional pollution control paradigm upside down. Cleaner Production concepts have consequences for the whole life cycle of a product and can foster improvements in product design, selection of raw materials, efficiency in production and/or energy usage, safety during manufacture and consumer use, repairability, and recyclability.

The Global senior personnel are all trained in Cleaner Production strategies and have worked with numerous companies in a wide range of industries. Global has established a range of environment management products and technologies to assist in implementing Cleaner Production and environmental management systems for industry.