Systematic Review - Network for Business Sustainability

environmental new product development both across
the firm and into the supply chain (e.g. by issuing
guidelines and then monitoring compliance).
In the case of ABB’s development of a dry capacitor,
environmental specialists were not formally members of
the project but their expertise was used continuously,
particularly to access environmental data about
materials and to support life cycle analysis (Sandström
& Tingström, 2008).
PROCESS INNOVATION
Process innovations change the way an organization
produces and delivers its product or services. These
innovations take into account the social, environmental
and technological characteristics of processes in an
effort to reduce their overall impact.
1. Design for sustainability: redesign existing
processes through incremental innovation: e.g. use
tools to support SOI by addressing single issues
such as pollution control; modify and redesign
processes to address resource use, waste and
pollution
2. Use available tools such as environmental
management systems and life cycle analysis to
integrate sustainability into processes
3. Adopt sustainable supply chain management
practices and ensure suppliers are operating
sustainably
1. Design for sustainability: Redesign existing
processes through incremental innovation: e.g. use
tools to support SOI by addressing single issues
such as pollution control; modify and redesign
processes to address resource use, waste and
pollution
In the early 1990s Operational Optimizers focused
on end-of-pipe technologies and then cleaner
technology solutions. The two approaches are generally
contrasted. End-of-pipe solutions target pollution
control and are typically isolated initiatives aimed
at capturing, redirecting or reducing emissions and
polluting discharges. In contrast, cleaner technologies
target pollution prevention by improving production
efficiency through the adoption of new technologies
that reduce pollution or minimize waste.
End-of-pipe solutions capture pollution and transfer
it between media, whereas cleaner technologies use
process changes to reduce polluting outputs. The
latter are more environmentally valuable and effective.
Thus, process-related SOIs can be either “add-on” or
integrated technologies. End-of-pipe technologies are
add-ons to existing processes or products, whereas, in
cleaner technologies, the environmental characteristics
are embedded and thus are part of the process or
product. The latter also offer greater potential for cost
savings.
Recently, as alternative forms of energy have become
available, process innovations have sought to reduce
energy input in the production process or replace fossilfuel
energy supplies either through self-generated or
purchased renewable energy.
Innovating for Sustainability 28