| Abstract: | Integrated chain management (also called ‘life cycle management’) has become a central concept in environmental policy in the Netherlands. Integrated chain management requires two essential changes in the existing pattern of production and consumption. It calls for a reduction in the use of fossil energy sources (natural gas, oil and coal) and a switch to the utilization of sustainable energy sources based on solar and wind energy. Integrated chain management further involves preventing the diffuse spread of pollution, finding substitutes for environmentally hazardous substances and retaining substances in the substance cycle for as long as possible. The insights gained in the Netherlands into how the concept of integrated chain management can be translated into day to day corporate practice are summarized. It is argued, firstly, that industry needs to conduct integrated chain analyses to identify possible options for environmental improvements extending to the whole production chain; secondly, that the results of such chain analyses will only be implemented if the concept of integrated chain management is incorporated by companies in their strategic planning; and, finally, that the implementation of environmental improvements will often require forms of strategic co-operation with external parties. It is concluded that most efforts have focused on elaborating a methodology for integrated chain analysis. The actual implementation of the specific improvement options — integrated chain management — still occurs to only a limited extent in Dutch industry. |
