Identification of cleaner production benefits and difficulties in industrial enterprises of São Paulo

Abstract

The Cleaner Production is gaining increasing acceptance by companies due the capacity that this strategy presents to proactive minimization of environmental impacts and to the rational use of inputs and reduce the generation of waste and emissions. This practice creates environmental and economic benefits for businesses. Thus, the measurement of the benefits earned by the Cleaner Production in companies that adopt this environmental strategy is of paramount importance to its promotion in business and for society in general. In addition to this information, there is a need for greater appreciation of the environmental benefits against the economic. In this context, this research aims to identify the benefits and the difficulties generated for Cleaner Production in four industrial companies located in the state of São Paulo through case studies. It was possible to identify significant environmental benefits, especially in the aspect of reducing the use of production inputs, i.e., extraction of natural resources and disposal of waste production. Moreover, the preventive strategy of Cleaner Production allwoed economic gains to organizations , supported by rational management of their production processes. As a major difficulty highlight the economic aspects for the implementation of projects Cleaner Production.