Policies influencing cleaner production: the role of prices and regulation

Low prices of inputs, low costs associated with non-product outputs and poor regulatory forcing have often not been conducive to diffusion of cleaner production. However developments may be noted in the field of taxation, subsidies, liability and permits that tend to be more favourable to cleaner production. Extension thereof may favour cleaner production more in the future. Cleaner production stands to gain much by slashing subsidies and substantial ecotaxation of inputs and non-product outputs. Similarly the regulatory enforcement of best available technologies, liability for waste and tradable permits may help the diffusion of cleaner production.