Analysis of the efforts during the last decades demonstrates a clear evolution in the general attitude of governments and industry regarding protection of the environment in a positive sense. This is perhaps due to the development of win-win strategies, such as Cleaner Production.

Cleaner Production describes a preventative approach to environmental management. It is neither a legal nor a scientific definition to be dissected, analysed or subjected to theoretical disputes. It is a broad term that encompasses what some countries/institutions call eco-efficiency, waste minimisation, pollution prevention, or green productivity, but it also includes something extra.

Cleaner Production refers to a mentality of how goods and services are produced with the minimum environmental impact under present technological and economic limits.

Cleaner Production does not deny growth, it merely insists that growth be ecologically sustainable. It should not be considered only as environmental strategy, because it also relates to economic considerations.

In this context, waste is considered as a 'product' with negative economic value. Each action to reduce consumption of raw materials and energy, and prevent or reduce generation of waste, can increase productivity and bring financial benefits to enterprise.

Cleaner Production is a 'win-win' strategy. It protects the environment, the consumer and the worker while improving industrial efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness.

The key difference between pollution control and Cleaner Production is one of timing. Pollution control is an after-the-event, 'react and treat' approach. Cleaner Production is a forward-looking, 'anticipate and prevent' philosophy.

The definition of Cleaner Production that has been adopted by UNEP is the following:

Cleaner Production is the continuous application of an integrated preventive environmental strategy to processes, products, and services to increase overall efficiency, and reduce risks to humans and the environment. Cleaner Production can be applied to the processes used in any industry, to products themselves and to various services provided in society.

For production processes, Cleaner Production results from one or a combination of conserving raw materials, water and energy; eliminating toxic and dangerous raw materials; and reducing the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and wastes at source during the production process.

For products, Cleaner Production aims to reduce the environmental, health and safety impacts of products over their entire life cycles, from raw materials extraction, through manufacturing and use, to the 'ultimate' disposal of the product.

For services, Cleaner Production implies incorporating environmental concerns into designing and delivering services.