Factors impacting on cleaner production: case studies of Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturers in Tianjin, China

Abstract

The literature contains a number of studies exploring factors impacting on cleaner production, but few studying these factors simultaneously. This study has identified these factors in the literature and represented their relationships with cleaner production in a conceptual framework. The key factors included in this framework are ISO14001 certification, eco-innovation of product and process, industrial and government regulations, and environmentally-friendly culture. Nine major Chinese pharmaceutical companies in Tianjin, China, have been used as case study companies to explore the impact of these key factors on cleaner production. The analysis reveals that companies that have ISO14001 certification are likely to be one step ahead; however ISO14001 certification is not the only factor leading these manufacturing companies to be active in cleaner production. It is green process innovation rather than product innovation that directly impacts on cleaner production. The environmentally-friendly culture significantly influences the promotion of cleaner production. It is concluded that the industry needs to promote process-oriented innovations and build environmentally-friendly culture in order to be more active in cleaner production in the long-run. This paper provides case-based insight for cleaner production and environmental sustainability researchers and the strategic direction for manufacturing companies to achieve cleaner production and environmental sustainability.

SWOT Analysis of the Application of International Standard ISO 14001 in the Chinese Context. A Case Study of Guangdong Province

“…In particular, in order to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by increasing industrial development [7], Chinese manufacturers have committed to the adoption of environmental management approaches that encourage the implementation of more environmentally sustainable practices, compliance with environmental regulations, and a better use of natural resources [8,9]. To incorporate environmental management principles into internal management practices of businesses, Chinese manufacturers have implemented a series of approaches based on environmental management systems (EMSs) [10,11], cleaner production [12,13], a circular economy [14,15], eco-efficiency and eco-design [16,17], and green supply chain management [18,19]. In particular, the last two decades have witnessed a strong commitment of Chinese manufacturers to the implementation of EMSs under the international standard ISO 14001 [20].…”

Implementation of cleaner production: A ten-year retrospective on benefits and difficulties found

“…Sengupta et al (2017) outlined its relevance for teaching. Several authors, (Almeida et al, 2015;Li and Hamblin, 2016;Lopes Silva et al, 2013;Severo et al, 2016;Yusup et al, 2015;Zeng et al, 2010), for example, highlight the importance of ISO14000 as an important tool to aid in Cleaner production development and assist in reaping benefits such as "New business opportunities" and "Improvement of the organizational image and strengthening of the relationship with stakeholders".…”

“…Process, productivity, and product efficiency improvements (energy, water, materials, and use and reuse of productive resources) (Almeida et al, 2015;Altham, 2007;Ashton et al, 2016;Bai et al, 2014Bai et al, , 2015Boltic et al, 2016;Bonilla et al, 2010;Büyükbay et al, 2010;Cabello Eras et al, 2013;Castillo-Vergara et al, 2015;Daylan et al, 2013;Dodić et al, 2010;Dong et al, 2012;Esquer et al, 2016;Mbohwa, 2015, 2010;Geng et al, 2010;Giannetti et al, 2008;Glavič and Lukman, 2007;Hicks and Dietmar, 2007;Huang et al, 2013;Li et al, 2010Li and Hamblin, 2016;Lopes Silva et al, 2013;Malinauskienė et al, 2016;Ochoa George et al, 2010;Oliveira and Alves, 2007;Oliveira Neto et al, 2015;Ozturk et al, 2016;Peng and Liu, 2016;Rahim and Raman, 2015;Ribeiro Massote and Moura Santi, 2013;Rivera et al, 2009;Schaltegger et al, 2012;Severo et al, 2016Severo et al, , 2015Silvestre and Silva Neto, 2014;Thrane et al, 2009;Ulutas et al, 2012;Velazquez et al, 2014;Vieira and Amaral, 2016;Wang et al, 2015;…”

Do the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Influence Eco-innovation Performance? Evidences from the EU Context.

“…However, the EMS certification is also surrounded by criticism due to its high implementation costs and due to the fact that for some companies the certification is exclusively a bureaucratic fulfillment not linked to an effective commitment to improve environmental impacts (Curkovic & Sroufe, 2011 ;Ferron-Vilchez, 2017). Since the environmental objectives are established internally by the management of the company, and not by the standard, the implementation of ISO 14001, which is rather process-oriented, is not necessarily associated with an improvement in performance towards the environment (Barla, 2007;Prajogo et al, 2012;Mazzi et al, 2016;Li & Hamblin, 2016). Based on the previous arguments, the research question of this study is to investigate to what extent the ISO 14001 certification influences eco-innovation performance.…”