Typically, the tapioca starch plants cope with these environmental
problems by end of pipe technology. However, this technique
does not allow the reduction of the pollution at sources that
can lead to significant amount of energy and raw material savings.
Cleaner production, an integrated change in the production process,
is introduced as it is a preventive strategy to minimize wastes
and emissions released to the environment. Simultaneously, it
promotes the efficient use of raw material, energy, and natural
resources, resulting in the reduction of production costs [4].
Therefore, the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) of Thailand
launched a program in 2005 to develop pollution prevention
measures for tapioca starch plants. Their program yielded implementation
guidelines or a ‘‘code of practice’’ for the country’s tapioca
starch manufacturers. In this study, as part of the DIW
comprehensive program, the possible options of clean technology
are explored for enhancing the production efficiency and improving
the environmental performance of the tapioca starch industry.
The study focuses mainly on water conservation, reduction in raw
material loss, and energy conservation. Results from implementation
to real-world tapioca starch plants are shown in terms of cost
savings.