Removing Obstacles in the Implementation of Cleaner Production

Cleaner production involves reducing or eliminating the generation of pollutants. Two types of cleaner production can be identified, based on the levels of benefit they offer. Type 1 is “highly beneficial” because it completely eliminates the pollution control cost and reduces the manufacturing cost. Type 2 is “marginally beneficial” because it reduces the pollution control cost but increases the manufacturing cost, yet the overall cost of production is still slightly reduced. No matter how beneficial a Type 1 cleaner production may look to the environmental professional, it will be seen to be only a marginally beneficial Type 2 cleaner production by companies that perceive it to be risky, especially those averse to risk, such as small companies.A factory’s perception about cleaner production is influenced by internal and external factors. Internal factors include management’s knowledge of the technology and the company’s size; external factors include environmental legislation and enforcement. The following activities will help to counteract these barriers to the successful introduction of cleaner production: dissemination of information about cleaner productionpublicity about the benefits of cleaner production to arouse awarenesscomprehensive legislation coupled with firm enforcement