Introduction
Production waste is often seen as a burden, but what if it could be a resource? In many industries, “waste” isn’t waste — it’s a by-product waiting to be reused, recycled, or converted. That’s the heart of Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP).
What Cleaner Production Means
Cleaner production isn’t just about stopping pollution; it’s about optimizing processes to use fewer raw materials, less energy, and generate less waste. This approach enables factories to do more with less — and that “less” directly translates into savings, increased efficiency, and enhanced environmental sustainability.
Financial Upside of Cleaner Production
- Reduced Raw Material Costs: When material usage improves, your input costs go down.
- Lower Disposal Costs: Less waste means less money spent on treating or disposing by-products.
- Revenue from By-products: Some waste streams can be repurposed or sold, turning “waste” into profit.
Case Study Inspiration
Globally, GEF-UNIDO-supported RECP projects have helped companies cut raw material usage by 10–30% and reduce hazardous waste by a similar margin. Applying those same principles to Nigerian manufacturing could deliver meaningful economic and environmental benefits.
How the Project Helps
Our project offers technical assessments, helps you build baseline resource-use models, and creates business-case documents that enable you to pitch cleaner production investments to finance institutions or internal stakeholders.
Getting Started
Not sure where to begin? We’ve developed simpler RECP assessment templates and process-mapping tools. Download them from our Resources Page and start turning your waste challenge into a profitability opportunity.
