‘Clean’ Technology

‘Clean’ Technology

The mechanisms by which pollution or waste may be reduced at source are varied. They may involve changes in technology or processes, alteration in the raw materials used or a complete restructuring of procedures. Generally speaking, biotechnological interventions are principally limited to the former aspects, though they may also prove instrumental in permitting procedural change. The main areas in which biological means may be relevant fall into three broad categories:

·           process changes;

·           biological control;

·           bio-substitutions.

In the following discussions of these three groups, it is not suggested that the examples cited are either comprehensive or exhaustive; they are simply intended to illustrate the wide potential scope of applications open to biotechnology in clean manufacturing. For precisely the reasons mentioned in respect of the eco-nomic aspects of this particular area of industrial activity, the field is a fast evolv-ing one and many more types of biotechnological interventions are likely in the future, especially where commercial pressures derive a competitive advantage.