Page 42 - Hojnik, Jana. 2017. In Persuit of Eco-innovation. Drivers and Consequences of Eco-innovation at Firm Level. Koper: University of Primorska Press
P. 42
In Pursuit of Eco-innovation
such as closed loops for solvents, material recycling or filters. Further-
more, process eco-innovation also involves the improvement of existing
production processes or the implementation of new processes to reduce
environmental impact (Cheng and Shiu 2012). Process eco-innovation
reflects support for novel technological and non-technological solutions,
which result in the reduction of material and energy costs of companies
(European Commission 2012). In summary, process eco-innovation in-
cludes low consumption of energy sources such as water, electricity, gas
and petrol during production/use/disposal; recycle, reuse and remanu-
facture of material; and use of cleaner technology to produce savings and
prevent pollution (such as energy, water and waste) (Chen et al. 2006;
Chen 2008; Chiou et al. 2011; Wong 2012; Tseng et al. 2013).
42 Technological eco-innovation
Process innovations can be grouped in two broader categories: end-of-
pipe technologies and clean technologies (del Río 2005; Triguero et al.
2013). End-of-pipe technologies are defined as “devices or plants added
at the end of the production process with the aim to transform prima-
ry emissions into substances easier to handle. They do not involve chang-
es in the production processes”; on the other hand, clean technologies are
“changes in production processes that reduce the quantity of wastes and
pollutants generated in the production process or during the whole life-
cycle of the product (clean products)” (del Río 2005, 22). According to the
VDI (2001 in Rennings et al. 2006, 47-48) typical examples of end-of-pipe
technologies are: incineration plants (waste disposal), wastewater treat-
ment plants (water protection), sound absorbers (noise abatement) and
exhaust-gas cleaning equipment (air quality control). Examples ofclean-
er production technologies are (according to the VDI 2001 in Rennings
et. al 2006, 48): the recirculation of materials, the use of environmental-
ly friendly materials (replacement of organic solvents by water) and the
modification of the combustion chamber design (process integrated sys-
tems). In summary, end-of-pipe technologies (incremental innovations)
require an increase in capital and also costs derived from maintenance but
do not lead to an increase in production, while clean technologies (radical
innovations), through a reduction of materials and energy consumption,
lead to improved efficiency of the production process and furthermore
have the potential to increase firm productivity and competitiveness (del
Río 2005). Cleaner production technologies follow a preventive approach
to environmental problems by reducing emissions at the source (i.e., they
do not need to be dealt with afterwards), while end-of-pipe technologies
such as closed loops for solvents, material recycling or filters. Further-
more, process eco-innovation also involves the improvement of existing
production processes or the implementation of new processes to reduce
environmental impact (Cheng and Shiu 2012). Process eco-innovation
reflects support for novel technological and non-technological solutions,
which result in the reduction of material and energy costs of companies
(European Commission 2012). In summary, process eco-innovation in-
cludes low consumption of energy sources such as water, electricity, gas
and petrol during production/use/disposal; recycle, reuse and remanu-
facture of material; and use of cleaner technology to produce savings and
prevent pollution (such as energy, water and waste) (Chen et al. 2006;
Chen 2008; Chiou et al. 2011; Wong 2012; Tseng et al. 2013).
42 Technological eco-innovation
Process innovations can be grouped in two broader categories: end-of-
pipe technologies and clean technologies (del Río 2005; Triguero et al.
2013). End-of-pipe technologies are defined as “devices or plants added
at the end of the production process with the aim to transform prima-
ry emissions into substances easier to handle. They do not involve chang-
es in the production processes”; on the other hand, clean technologies are
“changes in production processes that reduce the quantity of wastes and
pollutants generated in the production process or during the whole life-
cycle of the product (clean products)” (del Río 2005, 22). According to the
VDI (2001 in Rennings et al. 2006, 47-48) typical examples of end-of-pipe
technologies are: incineration plants (waste disposal), wastewater treat-
ment plants (water protection), sound absorbers (noise abatement) and
exhaust-gas cleaning equipment (air quality control). Examples ofclean-
er production technologies are (according to the VDI 2001 in Rennings
et. al 2006, 48): the recirculation of materials, the use of environmental-
ly friendly materials (replacement of organic solvents by water) and the
modification of the combustion chamber design (process integrated sys-
tems). In summary, end-of-pipe technologies (incremental innovations)
require an increase in capital and also costs derived from maintenance but
do not lead to an increase in production, while clean technologies (radical
innovations), through a reduction of materials and energy consumption,
lead to improved efficiency of the production process and furthermore
have the potential to increase firm productivity and competitiveness (del
Río 2005). Cleaner production technologies follow a preventive approach
to environmental problems by reducing emissions at the source (i.e., they
do not need to be dealt with afterwards), while end-of-pipe technologies
