Application of cleaner production in soap industry for a healthier work environment

Abstract

In the light of the increasing industrial impact on the environment, and since small industries have a cumulative effect that increases with time, the study examines the employment of Cleaner production in soap industry to achieve two goals: the first cutting back on waste produced, and the second reducing the use of toxic materials. Thus, it can contribute in the solution of chronic problems concerning the health and safety of workers and the environment as well. The study has taken place in two different developing countries, Syria and India. The current situation in every factory was evaluated considering the occupational health and safety of workers, and the influence on the environment. This includes the evaluation of energy consumption and the use of Cleaner Production alternatives. The required data is obtained originally from the direct observation of raw materials, production stages, production quantities and unsold products and from interviews with owners, engineers, and workers in the second place. It was found that waste from soap factories are not generated in large quantities, but their accumulation creates environmental and health troubles which can be alleviated by replacing chemical materials with natural ones, using hand storage and implementing cleaner production alternatives in the soap industry. This strategy can reduce waste created and energy used through benefiting from the sunlight, natural drying, reusing byproducts, which can rise the efficiency of production and management process. It also has a significant positive impact on the work environment, health and safety of workers in general.

In the light of the increasing industrial impact on the environment, and since small industries have a cumulative effect that increases with time, the study examines the employment of Cleaner production in soap industry to achieve two goals: the first cutting back on waste produced, and the second reducing the use of toxic materials. Thus, it can contribute in the solution of chronic problems concerning the health and safety of workers and the environment as well. The study has taken place in two different developing countries, Syria and India. The current situation in every factory was evaluated considering the occupational health and safety of workers, and the influence on the environment. This includes the evaluation of energy consumption and the use of Cleaner Production alternatives. The required data is obtained originally from the direct observation of raw materials, production stages, production quantities and unsold products and from interviews with owners, engineers, and workers in the second place. It was found that waste from soap factories are not generated in large quantities, but their accumulation creates environmental and health troubles which can be alleviated by replacing chemical materials with natural ones, using hand storage and implementing cleaner production alternatives in the soap industry. This strategy can reduce waste created and energy used through benefiting from the sunlight, natural drying, reusing byproducts, which can rise the efficiency of production and management process. It also has a significant positive impact on the work environment, health and safety of workers in general.