Industrial Emissions Directive – Towards Cleaner and More Sustainable Industry

The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) is a key EU policy designed to prevent and control pollution from large industrial installations. By setting clear requirements and promoting best practices, the directive helps industries reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency and competitiveness.

The IED is based on three main principles:

  • IPPC Principle (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control): Industrial operators must obtain integrated permits that cover all environmental impacts, ensuring a holistic approach to pollution control.

  • BAT (Best Available Techniques): Companies are required to apply the most effective and advanced technologies to minimize emissions and resource use.

  • Monitoring: Continuous collection and reporting of emissions data ensure transparency and support ongoing environmental improvement.

Beyond pollution control, the directive supports the circular economy by encouraging waste reduction, resource recovery, and process innovation. Its long-term goal aligns with the EU’s broader vision of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The CIRC-UITS project contributes to this ambition by fostering sustainable manufacturing practices and promoting eco-efficient technologies within the European electronics sector — ensuring that industrial growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.