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IPPC

2005-02-28
The Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control Directive of 1996, has significant and far-reaching implications for the cleaning industry. In the broadest terms, the IPPC directive states that industry pollution in the EU must be minimised. All operations covered by Annex 1 of the directive, which encompasses cleaning services, are legally required to obtain a permit, or they face penalties. The IPPC permits are based on the ‘Best Available Technique’ method, which basically means that companies must employ the most environmentally-friendly equipment, regardless of cost. The deadline for companies to comply with the IPPC directive has been set at 11 years, therefore forcing transition by 2007. If an organisation has not complied to the directive by this date, penalties are effective, which include suspension of operation, fines and in some cases jail terms.

Currently, the cleaning industries of the UK and the rest of the EU are operating at unsustainable levels, and are therefore detrimental towards the environment. The availability of environmentally-friendly products such as concentrates mean that, according to the directive, they should be used regardless of cost. When the IPPC regulations are in full effect, greenhouse gases, volatile organic compounds and chemical waste levels will be significantly lowered, which is the overall aim of the directive.