Enterprises and other organizations that adopt RECP “do more with less”; they increase the efficiency with which they use materials and energy, they improve their productivity and thus their competitiveness. At the same time, through greater efficiency, enterprises reduce the amount of pollution and waste they generate, thus lowering their impact on the environment, including their carbon footprint. As waste and emissions reduce, and hazardous substances are eliminated, the risks of industrial operations to workers, communities and consumers reduce.

Such benefits have now been demonstrated in thousands of companies of different sizes and sectors all around the world. The case study section contains a selection of practical examples from different enterprises.

Suggestions for further reading can be found in the publications section. The UNIDO Cleaner Production Toolkit for example provides a concise package of information, practical tools and references that are useful for implementation of RECP in enterprises.