Cleaner production in Portugal—a general approach

Abstract In order to understand the framework for the first Portuguese Demonstration Programme on Cleaner Production, the situation of the Portuguese industry and industrial politics is presented. In this context the activities of the Portuguese Ministry of Industry and Energy are referred to as well as its strategic lines for industry technological support, including the stimulation of cleaner production in companies. The main pollution problems in Portugal are also presented, related to industrial solid waste, water pollution, air pollution and natural and man-induced risks, as well as the needs for investments in the 1990s for their control. The Portuguese Cleaner Production, organized by INETI-ITA, is then presented, stating its main objectives and activities: preparation of the programme, demonstration projects phase, implementation of the options, monitoring and evaluation, dissemination of the results.