Inovação na redução no consumo de água em indústrias farmacêuticas: um estudo de casos comparados

Abstract

The subject water is a problem that has been discussed for some years in particular on issues related to water scarcity across the country, and especially in São Paulo. The pharmaceutical industry industries require water, not only in its production process but also in relation to the washing of the equipment and the supporting processes. This research involved the issue of water scarcity and sought to discuss the main actions taken by the pharmaceutical industry industries to minimize water consumption. The main objective was to analyze the actions taken in order to increase the eco-efficiency in water use. It sought to understand how these actions could be classified according to the theories of eco innovation, cleaner production and eco-efficiency. The research methodology was qualitative and exploratory mode, and the case study the method used. The study of multiple cases took place between two companies in the pharmaceutical sector of the State of São Paulo and it was observed that despite the actions reported by the companies, the reduction of water consumption was not effective. One of the companies was reduced results in previous years, but the downward trend was not observed anymore. Among the actions that have been implemented and that stood out are the redesign of production processes, exchange of items on the premises of factories, automation Clean in place systems, installation of water meters, surplus water reuse and replacement of reducing production equipment consumption water. Among the evidence found there is the adoption of a per-unit water consumption index produced (m3 / 1000 units produced) which demonstrates clearly the environmental performance of the operation for the input water. At the end of the study were presented systematic sources of information, ideas for actions and a set of actions that should be taken by companies wishing a reduction in water consumption such as improving processes, facilities and equipment, training and awareness and control consumption indicators. As suggestions for future studies to expand the studies on reducing the consumption of water for more companies in the industry.