Reducing the environmental impact in the metal finishing industry by employing cleaner and safer production strategies

Abstract

This paper describes how cleaner production strategies are being implemented by the metal finishing industry, in the face of increasingly strict pollution regulations as well as to deal with a permanent need to innovate. These preventive measures have a positive impact on the competitiveness of these firms as well as the environment. This is due to the diminished use of raw materials, lower energy consumption, subsequent reduction of contaminated materials and outflow, as well as inherently lessening the risks or hazards of environmental pollution. However, employing diverse, cleaner production methods is complex. Moreover, this can have a negative effect especially when the entire situation is taken into account, demonstrating the need for effective decision aids in this sector. This paper presents the conception of a diagnostic tool for cleaner and safer production (CSP) impacts. The proposed tool is based on a system of CSP indicators, which quantifies the firm’s overall impacts and estimates the level of risk generated. The main issues of this paper are: (1) environmental: considering whether the tool will help reduce firms’ impacts; (2) regulatory: because this approach helps industry to comply with existing legislation and anticipate new constraints; and (3) safety: taking into account risks generated by the implementation of CSP practices. This decision aid can be used in choosing a CSP set up strategy as well as to promote innovation initiatives.