Clean Production in Industrial Waste Processing By Muhammad Yamin (Lecturer in the Plantation Product Technology Study Program, Politani Samarinda)
During a lecture discussion on environmental waste utilization, a lecturer asked students what motivates a company to take steps to prevent pollution and waste in industrial activities.
The students responded with various answers. Some said they were afraid of being reprimanded by the government and having their operating permits revoked, others were afraid of facing public demonstrations, and still others said that increasing waste could harm the company's environment. However, there was also a fairly good answer, namely that the company saw waste as reusable through the 3R program (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
From their perspectives, all of these answers can be considered valid. Stimulating companies, or people in general, to be environmentally conscious through a non-profit or non-material awareness approach, is not applicable to everyone. Generally, in this modern era, society's mindset tends towards capitalism, where everything is valued based on profit or financial gain.
This condition is influenced by many factors, especially economic factors, which ultimately become cultural and unconsciously shape character. A character that will only move if there is material value behind it, including in companies and industries.
To address this issue, several concepts have been developed, one of which is clean production. While clean production is a long-standing concept, its popularity is still less pronounced than other environmental concepts such as the 3Rs, UKL-UPL, and so on.
Why is clean production less well-known? This could be because it has been overshadowed by other environmental issues, or because there is little general discussion about its application. Although it has begun to be taught at the theoretical level in universities, the hope is that it will spread and become the primary reference for industrial waste management. A long struggle is needed for this concept to be more widely implemented.
This brief article aims to encourage readers, especially policymakers, to begin understanding the basic concept of clean production as a starting point for a more holistic explanation in further studies.
Definition of Cleaner Production
According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO, 2002), clean production is an integrated and preventative environmental management strategy in production and service processes, resulting in improved efficiency, enhanced environmental performance, and competitive advantage.
At first glance, this definition seems similar to a waste minimization program. However, there are actually important differences between the two:
Waste Minimization
1. Focuses on reducing the amount of waste from a process or activity.
2. Aims to reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment, for example by minimizing the use of raw materials or treating waste before disposal.
Cleaner Production
1. Focuses on preventing pollution and reducing waste from the beginning of the production process, including products, processes, and services.
2. Aims to increase production efficiency and minimize overall environmental impact through process changes, the use of environmentally friendly materials, clean technology, and the design of biodegradable products.
Industrial Benefits
Companies typically focus on financial profits. However, sometimes companies only see increased sales without realizing the waste in production facilities. However, if waste can be minimized, net profits will increase, even though gross revenue remains the same.
Many industrial players, from large to small, often overlook this potential for savings. For example, excess labor, wasteful water and electricity consumption, or inefficient production systems can reduce profits. By implementing cleaner production, these conditions can be minimized.
Cleaner production presents a solution that offers synergy between industrial efficiency and environmental sustainability. If implemented consistently, companies will gain added value while preserving the environment. There's no need to wait for pressure from the government; companies will automatically protect the environment because they recognize the potential benefits of waste as a source of economic value.
Principles of Cleaner Production:
1. Reducing the use of raw materials, water, energy, and waste from the beginning of the process;
2. Avoiding toxic or hazardous materials;
3. Understanding the complete product life cycle;
4. Implementing environmental management systems in both industry and government agencies;
5. Utilizing environmentally friendly technologies;
6. Encouraging self-regulation through collective agreements.
Benefits of Cleaner Production for Industry:
1. Reducing production costs;
2. Reducing the number of Waste management;
3. Increase production yields;
4. Reduce energy consumption;
5. Reduce difficulties in waste management;
6. Increase the selling value of by-products.
Challenges in Implementation
1. Economic Issues: High initial costs of equipment purchase or investment; Perception that results are not commensurate with the costs.
2. Technological Issues: Lack of information and outreach on cleaner production; Incompatibility of new systems with existing processes; Limited workspace for additional equipment.
3. Human Resource Issues: Lack of top management support; Unwillingness of individuals and teams to adapt; Weak internal communication; Rigid management; Complex bureaucracy and minimal documentation.
Solutions
For Economic Issues: Start with small steps without purchasing new equipment; Calculate the cost-benefit ratio of cleaner production; Collaborate with government or other institutions for equipment assistance.
For Technological Issues: Intensive socialization and training; Gradual implementation, not necessarily simultaneous; Use simple tools or cross-unit collaboration if space is limited.
For HR Issues: Conduct training and seminars; Create clear SOPs and communication maps between units; Use pilot companies as references; Provide incentives to motivate employees.
Meeting Points Between Industry and Government
Cleaner production benefits industry and supports government efforts to protect the environment. Industry can utilize materials efficiently and process waste into new sources of income. This helps the government create a healthy environment without the need for continuous law enforcement.
Synergy between industry, government, and universities is key to the successful implementation of sustainable cleaner production.