A broader perspective is needed
The Product Oriented Environmental Initiative (also referred to as the "Integrated Product Policy") superseded the strategies on environmental management and cleaner technology. During the 1990s, environmental protection focused on production processes and companies' internal management systems. This strategy proved successful in some respects but insufficient regarding diffuse environmental impacts e.g. spreading of undesirable chemicals from products. Therefore, it became clear that a broader focus was needed. One of the major initiatives was the Danish Programme for Cleaner Products, 1999-2003.
Environment in focus in development and marketing
The overall environmental objective of the Danish Integrated Product Policy (IPP), developed in 1997 was to give attention to the environmental improvement that could be reached by development and marketing of cleaner products. The goal was to reduce the total environmental impact from production, use and disposal of products. The corresponding trade policy objective was to consolidate the competitiveness of trade and industry in a market of the future, which increasingly brings the environment into focus and calls for cleaner products.
A central element in the Integrated Product Policy (IPP) was the long-term work to reduce the environmental load during the life cycle of products. This should not cause environmental problems in other areas, for example environmental adjustments to production should not cause production of additional waste.
The on-going Danish initiatives within the IPP are now closely linked to the EU IPP initiatives.
Read more about the Danish initiatives on sustainable consuption
Read more about the results of the Programme for Cleaner Products
Read about EU IPP initiatives