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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Pollution prevention pays - The 3M experience and applicability to other industries

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6471109

One of the most difficult challenges facing industry today is the need to comply with pollution control regulations and still remain competitive. These regulations have often required that end-of-pipe control equipment be installed to meet certain standards. However, this approach merely changes the form of the pollutant, from hazardous liquid to hazardous sludge, for example, and adds to industry's cost of control. 3M Company has realized that a better way to deal with pollution is to prevent or minimize it at its source within the manufacturing process. It has been seen that this approach pays for itself in reduced need for pollution control equipment, reduced raw material requirements, and increased production. The Pollution Prevention Pays (3P) program at 3M, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is a way of recognizing the efforts of its technical staff in reducing pollution at its source.

Research Organization:
3M Environmental Engineering and Pollution Control, St. Paul, MN
OSTI ID:
6471109
Report Number(s):
CONF-851123-
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English