A Cleaner Production Competitive as Leverage: a Case Study of Sugar and Alcohol Industry

Purpose - The aim of this study was to present the methodological concepts and definitions about Cleaner Production. Besides presenting the implementation procedures of the system, identify the main benefits and barriers to diagnosing system implementation. According to the CNTL - National Center for Clean Technology, Cleaner Production (CP) is a strategy focused organizations, which seeks the integration of technical, economic and environmental management, increasing resource efficiency and minimizing impacts environmental, focused on the manufacturing process (SENAI-RS, 2003).. In this context, the purpose is based on the awareness among companies about environmental preservation and its benefits, pushing organizations to adopt policies of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach - This project proposes an approach to integrate the selected information and its diverse set of predetermined impacts of development for the environment, social and economic dimensions. The structure of this system is based on a case study with on-site observation, at a plant in the state of Sao Paulo, using information collected in the company. The case study method involves the collection of data in the field of organizational studies, setting up a method of scientific investigation of a contemporary phenomenon within the context of real life, based on evidence sources, benefiting the prior development of theoretical propositions that lead a previous collection and data analysis (Yin, 2001). Originality/value - This methodology highlights the strengths of the cleaner production and a capacity planning tool for decision making as it relates to the complex situation in the world of reality. The system has the value awareness companies to adopt policies for environmental preservation in their production processes, contributing to a better world, minimizing the environmental data. Practical implications - Results of application of the P + L, allows the reduction of costs, together with the reduction of external pressures due to globalization and compliance with environmental laws. The big challenge for companies to achieve sustainability is to prioritize the saving of natural resources, decrease the release of waste into the environment and practice sustainable development. As stated Barbieri (2007, p. 113), companies should make their problems become solutions and adopt the environment in their strategic decisions so that there is minimal impact on the planet. Consequently it is expected that the benefits of P + L, is employed in organizations as a resource favorable to them and society we live in, contributing to a better world.