The concept of Cleaner Production was introduced by UNEP Industry and Environment in 1989. Cleaner production is the continuous application of an integrated preventive environmental strategy applied to processes, products and services to increase eco-efficiency and reduce risks for humans and the environment. It applies to:
• production processes: conserving raw materials and energy eliminating toxic raw materials and reducing the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and wastes
• products: reducing negative impacts along the life cycle of a product from raw materials extraction to its ultimate disposal
• services: incorporating environmental concerns into designing and delivering services