The application of a waste minimisation program will help an industry in complying with European and National policy, which gives big emphasis on subjects concerning the environmental protection and generally the sustainable development.

In order to confront the consequences that are created in the environment by industrial and other similar activities, the European Union has adopted the application of an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) system. The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control system approach the environment as a unity and aim to solve the problem of environmental pollution through the pollution prevention at thesource. In order to achieve its purpose, Optimal Available Techniques, that were introduced by the directive of the European Union 96/61/EE (Directive IPPC). It should be mentioned that no matter the type or the volume of the waste that an industry produces, its management costs. Moreover it stands that "the one who pollutes pays". The confrontation of the pollution at the source contributes in saving money.

The waste minimisation can contribute in the improvement of the industy's performance, which will lead to the reduction of the consumption of raw materials, energy and will reduce the corresponding cost. In addition, the waste minimisation can reduce the volume and modify the quality of the produced waste (less dangerous components) and consequently reduce the cost of its final disposal and limit the production and personnel cost. Through the waste minimisation at the source, the industry improves its image in the market, and consequently its competitiveness, while it strengthens and improves its relation with customers/suppliers.

The subjects of environmental protection play the last years important role in all the sectors. The world market pushes permanently for the production of environmentally friendrly products. The industries, working in an intensely competitive environment, should comply with the needs for sustainable development. The aforementioned development is more intense in the developed countries. The customer's preferences high quality, environmentally friendly products, passes the pressure from the producer to the supplier in multiple ways, eg the industries select suppliers that have a certified environmental management system as ISO 14001.