FAQs

 What does cleaner production mean in practice?

Contrary to the usual "End of the Pipe Technology", which aims to reduce environmental effects of production processes after the fact, PIUS focuses on the avoidance and reduction of harmful environmental effects by selection and optimisation of appropriate production processes. Furthermore, in certain cases, considerable reductions in cost are achieved.
 

Our previous environmental protection measures have mainly created high costs and only achieved minimal savings. Is this also the case with PIUS?

No! First and foremost, PIUS helps you to save costs, to produce more economically and also provides you with the opportunity to minimise the use of costly raw materials or to substitute these with environmentally friendly products. This substantially increases your competitiveness in the market.

All environmental protection measures within the scope of "End of Pipe Technology" only create further costs, such as the installation of filters, waste processing or treatment of waste water.
With the help of PIUS, you can e.g. conserve energy, reduce the consumption of raw materials and minimise the amount of waste water and waste by altering production processes. The positive aspect of this is the much quoted WIN-WIN situation of economy and ecology for the benefit of the company. The amortization of the majority of PIUS measures is considerably less than two years, however, it can be higher in the implementation of new technology.

Absolutely! Companies that have implemented PIUS measures frequently tell us that PIUS also contibutes to increased quality awareness and employee motivation. A further significant effect is the improved legal certainty through the identification and removal of areas of weakness within the company.

How can SMEs obtain the extensive information regarding cleaner production?

The PIUS forum offers a sound introduction to many industry sectors and materials from five German states. In addition to this there are links to further German institutions that deal with PIUS relevant subjects.
 

In which industry sectors can CP be used?

In almost all industry sectors. Currently, information regarding 15 different industries can be found on the english version in the PIUS-Forum. The information on offer is permanently updated.
 

Are there support opportunities for the introduction and implementation of CP?

Yes, countless. Certain institutions and contacts are listed in the PIUS-Forum under Contacts and Links on the page Support Opportunities .
 

Where can I find contacts to the various subject areas of cleaner production?

The partners will be pleased to answer any questions and are open to any suggestions (Projects and Partners section, Partners page).
Use the PIUS-Experts-Forum for up-to-date information and an exchange of ideas with experts.
 

How can I find out more about CP?

Look in the monthly PIUS event calendar and find out about seminars on cleaner production in Germany and all over the world (What's New section, Events page). Take the opportunity to exchange ideas with users and equipment manufacturers.
 

Numerous Tools are available, free of charge in the Info-Pool. These provide support for the person responsible (e.g. operations/production manager, sales person/management) in their daily work. Furthermore, there are professionals on hand who can be approached when necessary.

Of course. The content constantly changes. Regularly check the Latest News title. Here, you will be able to find news, tips regarding events throughout Germany and an overview of the latest documentation. In the monthly PIUS event calendar you can find out about Cleaner Production seminars in Germany (Under Latest News; events page). Take the opportunity to exchange ideas with other users and plant manufacturers.