Cleaner production in New Zealand

Although there are numerous examples of companies that have benefited by implementing cleaner technologies, design for environment and life cycle assessment, these are still not being implemented on a broad basis, particularly in small businesses. New Zealand is no exception. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the reasons for this lack of implementation and to propose some solutions. Many key personnel in businesses have little or no knowledge of environmental concerns or of the cost of pollution or waste production. Much of the focus on waste has been with regards to recycling, not on reduction. Governments need to examine ways to change their focus from recycling to reduction and must begin to target manufacturers as well as consumers with this message. A number of options that governments can employ are discussed.