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Model for selection of future target areas in the Danish Program for Cleaner Products

3 Potential areas of future action

It also should be stressed that the statistics has not been designed to follow the flow of goods in a supply chain. Based on the Statistics of raw materials and the Statistics of foreign trade it has been tried to point out possible relations in the supply chain but still large uncertainties are present. In the same way the methods used in compiling the statistics give rise to questions. Thus the raw material "Adhesives" seems to have no relation to the industrial sector "Wood and furniture manufacturing" despite the fact that the wood industry is a large consumer of adhesives for the manufacture of chipboards and blockboards.

The term "industry-oriented action" used in the following only means projects supported by the "Program for Cleaner Products" and the "Program for Environmental Management" issued by the Danish EPA. Other types of industry-oriented activities may have been carried out but have for practical reasons not been mapped in the present project.

Furthermore it should be underlined that the phases of use and final disposal of the products have only been subject to an overall description. This is due to the fact that the applied methods of environmental assessment are based on a "cradle-to-port" analysis and therefore do not include end use and final disposal.

3.1 Product group 25: Salt, earth and stone

The product group "Salt, earth and stone" is relatively small, but not insignificant, accounting for 0.7% of the total supply in Denmark. About one third of the supply is imported, but the production in Denmark exceeds the indigenous demand thus giving rise to a significant exportation accounting for about 40% of the total quantity available.

Extraction and processing of salt, earth and stone is related to 5 industrial groups of which 4 belong to the category "Extraction of raw materials, quarries and salt mines" and the last belongs to the category "Manufacture of cement, chalk and gypsum". There is a preponderance of small enterprises, in particular within "Industry group 142: extraction of gravel and clay", but also 8 large Danish producers are present.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Salt, earth and stone" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacturing of the end products the environmental impact is mainly related to the extraction of raw materials and the manufacture of cement, but the consumption of energy also contributes considerably. The cement works are submitted to an approval according to chapter 5 in the Danish Environmental Protection Act. This is also applied for the calcination of flint stones.

A specific product-oriented action concerning these raw materials has not been initiated, but the manufacture of cement and particularly its use in the building industry is subject to investigations under the existing "Buildings & Construction Panel". For cement life cycle assessments have been carried out earlier.

Criteria exist for eco-labelling of the product group "Chemicals for de-icing" (by June 2002 one company holds a licence in Denmark). One company has been certified according to EMAS and another company has received subsidies from the "Environmental Competence Scheme". An industry-oriented action aiming at the promotion of environmental management within "Industry group 265: Manufacture of cement, chalk and gypsum" has been carried out earlier.

It appears evident to relate a possible future product-oriented action to the on-going activities within the building industry, but the environmental gains will probably be rather limited due to the fact that the most important issues, which are related to the manufacture of cement, are already included in existing actions. Benefits may be achieved in spreading the systematic work with environmental issues, for instance by introducing environmental management to a large number of companies, but this is by experience not an easy task due to the large number of small enterprises.

Since about one third of the total supply is imported there may be environmental gains in imposing requirements on imported goods. A prerequisite is an analysis of the problem since the statistical information does not reveal which goods are imported and in which quantities. Therefore it is unknown which products are the most polluting, the products manufactured in Denmark or the imported ones.

3.2 Product group 27: Mineral fuels

The product group "Mineral fuels" accounts for 1.8% of the total consumption in Denmark and therefore has a certain importance. The production of mineral fuels exceeds the consumption in Denmark. Simultaneously large amounts of mineral fuels are imported. The exports therefore are four times larger than the consumption in Denmark.

The number of companies related to the product group is relatively small and several of these companies are large multinational groups.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Mineral fuels" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacturing the main contributors to pollution are extraction of raw materials, refining of oil and manufacture of bitumen, lube oils and grease.

Also in the phases of use and final disposal there are significant environmental impacts. The wastes from this product group are classified as dangerous wastes.

Several types of companies belonging to the related trades and industries are submitted to an approval according to chapter 5 in the Danish Environmental Protection Act. This applies to oil refineries, extraction plants for mineral oil, asphalt works and manufacturers of roofing felt.

Until now no specific product oriented action concerning this product group has been carried out with the exception of the elaboration of criteria for eco-labelling of lube oils. Presently (June 2002) no licences have been awarded in Denmark. On an international level focus has been put on environment and sustainable development in particular with regard to the oil companies of which several already have issued reports about sustainable development.

In order to cover all relevant parts of the product supply chain a future product-oriented action should include producers, wholesalers and retailers. Within several trades such as refineries and asphalt works the companies are actively involved in many parts of the supply chain from extraction of raw materials over production, distribution and sales until possibly maintenance.

3.3 Product group 28: Inorganic chemicals

The product group "Inorganic chemicals" is relatively small accounting for only 0.6% of the total consumption in Denmark.

Only one fourth of the consumption of inorganic chemicals is produced in Denmark. A minor part is exported representing 18% of the supplies. Imports are thus essential amounting to 93% of the supplies.

Neither criteria for eco-labelling nor environmental guidelines have been elaborated for this product group.

The number of companies in the related industrial sector "241: Manufacture of base chemicals" is less than 200 equally distributed among larger and smaller enterprises.

The industrial sector "241: Manufacture of base chemicals" is submitted to environmental approval belonging to the groups classified as "Companies producing organic or inorganic chemical substances, products and sub-products including enzymes", "Fertilizer plants", and "Petrochemical Industry". This industrial sector has been covered by an action according to the "Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audits" supported by the Danish EPA.

The product group has not been submitted to a comprehensive industry-oriented product action, but a general action against undesirable substances.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Inorganic chemicals" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributors to pollution are the manufacture and the emission of toxic substances originating from primary, non-iron metals. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy during manufacture.

Also in the phases of use and final disposal there are significant environmental impacts. Therefore the group is submitted to different types of regulation and control.

There are large similarities between the industrial groups using inorganic chemicals as raw material and the producing industries, which are importing materials. Therefore it is assumed that the producers are importing raw materials.

The wholesalers play an important role in particular with regard to imports. It is assumed that a certain but limited part is sold to the retailers and the major part is sold to the manufacturers. This assumption is based on the fact that the products within the group hardly find use in the private sector.

3.4 Product group 29: Organic chemicals

The product group "Organic chemicals" accounts for 1.0% of the total consumption in Denmark.

The amount produced in Denmark is considerably larger than that consumed (178% of consumption). An amount corresponding to the whole Danish consumption is imported and a much larger amount corresponding to 186% of consumption is exported. That means an important trade in organic chemicals is taking place to and from Denmark.

The number of companies in the two related industrial sectors is less than 200 equally distributed between large and small enterprises. The mentioned industrial sectors are "242: Manufacture of pesticides and miscellaneous chemical products" and "244: Manufacture of pharmaceutical products and miscellaneous chemical products".

Ten companies within organic chemistry and pharmaceutical production have issued reports according to the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative, which indicates a considerable international focus on the aspects of sustainable development within these industries.

Industrial sector 242 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Companies producing, bottling and blending pesticides and biocides". Industrial sector 244 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Companies producing medicaments via biological, chemical and other processes".

From an environmental point of view the product group "Organic chemicals" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the manufacture itself. There is also a considerable energy consumption.

Also in the phases of use and final disposal there are important environmental impacts. Therefore the group is submitted to regulation and control in different areas.

Until now the product-oriented action within chemicals has been targeted at substitution of non-desirable substances across the borders of the different industrial sectors. No product-oriented branch action has taken place, neither in the chemical nor in the pharmaceutical industry.

Foreign trade is mainly related to the pharmaceutical industry, both with regard to import and export. Wholesales represent a major part of imports, but only a minor part of exports.

It is essential for a possible future action within the pharmaceutical industry that both producers and wholesalers are included in the action. But other players should be included too, as a number of strong NGOs promoting sustainable development are playing on the international scene and in Denmark.

3.5 Product group 31: Fertilizers

The product group "Fertilizers" is small but not insignificant accounting for only 0.3% of the total consumption in Denmark. About two thirds of the amounts produced and imported are consumed in Denmark. The remainder is exported. Production equals importation. Denmark has three larger producers, all of them having wholesales within their core business.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Fertilizers" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the manufacture itself. Fertilizer plants are submitted to environment approval according to chapter 5 in the Danish Environmental Protection Act.

Until now no specific product-oriented action concerning this product group has been carried out with the exception of the elaboration of criteria for eco-labelling of fertilizers. Presently (June 2002) no licenses have been awarded. The use of fertilizers is regulated via the Aquatic Environment Scheme (Vandmiljøplanen).

In order to cover all relevant parts of the supply chain a future product-oriented action should include producers (chemical industry) as well as end users (mainly agriculture) and traders (mainly wholesalers). As import equals production in Denmark an action must include environmental requirements with regard to imported fertilizers and their transportation. These requirements could be handled by the manufacturers importing raw materials for fertilizers and/or the wholesalers, which import an important share of the fertilizers.

3.6 Product group 38: Miscellaneous chemical products

The product group "Miscellaneous chemical products" is middle sized and accounts for 1.1% of the total consumption in Denmark.

Production of miscellaneous chemical products nearly equals consumption being only 6% larger. Imports are essential and correspond to 70% of consumption, while exports amount to 76% of consumption. That means an important trade in other chemicals products is taking place to and from Denmark.

Neither criteria for eco-labelling nor environmental guidelines have been elaborated for this product group.

The number of companies in the two related industrial sectors is about 600 featured by a small majority of small enterprises. The mentioned industrial sectors are "246: Manufacture of miscellaneous chemical products", and "266: Manufacture of products of concrete, gypsum and cement".

The industrial sector "246: Manufacture of miscellaneous chemical products" is submitted to environmental approval belonging to the group classified as "Companies producing paints, additives including additives to the food industry". The industrial sector "266: Manufacture of products of concrete, gypsum and cement" is submitted to environmental approval belonging to the group classified as "Concrete works and producers of mineral building materials".

None of the industrial sectors numbered 246 and 266 have been subject to an industry-oriented action under the Cleaner Products Support Program, but both have been subject to an action under the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Miscellaneous chemical products" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the manufacture. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy during manufacture as well as a potential toxic impact on the environment.

Also in the phases of use and final disposal there are significant environmental impacts.

Wholesales play a major role in the foreign trade, especially in imports. Assumed is that the wholesalers deal with both retailers and producers since this product group comprises both consumer goods and industrial products. Imports to retailers are negligible.

Since this product group is very versatile it is difficult to carry out an overall action. On the other hand the product-oriented action could be included in the efforts related to other product areas – e.g. where the chemical products are used.

3.7 Product group 40: Rubber and rubber ware

The product group "Rubber and rubber ware" is relatively small accounting for only 0.7% of the total consumption in Denmark.

About half (45%) of the consumption in Denmark is produced in Denmark. On the other hand imports are larger than consumption (118%). Exports amount to 63% of consumption. That means an important trade in rubber and rubber ware is taking place to and from Denmark.

Criteria for eco-labelling of the product group "Tyres for motor cars" have been elaborated and criteria for eco-labelling of "Tyres for lorries" are being prepared (June 2002). Actually (June 2002) no licences have been awarded. An environmental guideline for "Tyres" has been issued.

The number of companies in the related industrial sector "251: Manufacture of rubber products" is about 150 with a preponderance of small enterprises.

The industrial sector "251: Manufacture of rubber products" is submitted to environmental approval belonging to the group classified as "Rubber works". Until now no product-oriented branch action has taken place nor an action under the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Rubber and rubber ware" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the manufacture. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy during manufacture. A certain environmental impact is due to earlier steps in the life cycle i.e. manufacturing of industrial organic and inorganic substances.

Denmark is a net importer of rubber, which is mainly used for vehicles. Since the largest consumer of the raw material rubber is the industrial sector 292, which does not import rubber itself, it is assumed that the wholesalers are the suppliers. Further sales to the retailers are also assumed since the product group also comprises consumer goods.

3.8 Product group 68: Goods of stone, gypsum etc.

The product group "Goods of stone, gypsum etc." accounts for 1.7% of the total consumption in Denmark. The production is only a little larger than the consumption in Denmark. Both imports and exports account for about one fourth of the total consumption. It is a trade based on the home market.

The number of companies in the two related industrial sectors is a little less than 600 equally distributed among large and small companies. The two industrial sectors referred to above are "266: Manufacture of goods of concrete, gypsum and cement" and "268: Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products".

Industrial sector 266 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Concrete works and producers of mineral building materials". Industrial sector 268 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Asphalt works, roofing felt producers, tar-distillers and plants for extraction and manufacturing of asphalt and asbestos products".

From an environmental point of view the product group "Goods of stone, gypsum etc." has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the manufacture itself. This is mainly due to a high consumption of energy during manufacture. Toxic substances in the production of cement also play an essential role.

Also in the phases of use and final disposal there are significant environmental impacts. Therefore the group is submitted to different types of regulation and control.

Via the Danish Buildings & Construction Panel emphasis has been put on the products used in the building industry, but this industry is using a very large number of different products. Therefore it could be relevant to launch a product-oriented action aiming at a number of selected product groups. Such an action could be related to a supply chain consideration comprising extraction of stone, gravel and similar raw materials.

3.9 Product group 72: Iron and steel

The product group "Iron and steel" accounts for 1.8% of the total consumption in Denmark and therefore has a certain importance.

A minor part (39%) of the Danish consumption is produced in Denmark. Imports account for more than consumption (113%) and the remaining part is exported (53%). That means an important trade in iron and steel is taking place to and from Denmark. It also means that Danish producers play a role in international supply chains.

The number of companies in the three related industrial sectors is about 250. Two of the industrial sectors "271: Iron and steel works" and "273: Other processing of iron and steel and production of alloys" have an equal distribution among large and small companies while the third sector "371: Recycling of metallic wastes" have a preponderance of small companies.

Industrial sector 271 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Iron and steel works". Industrial sector 273 is not submitted to environmental approval. Industrial sector 371 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the groups "Recycling plants", "Plants for disposal of water", "Plants for transhipment and packaging of wastes", "Plants for biological, physical or chemical treatment of wastes" and "Shredders". All industrial sectors have been subject to an action under the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit. Therefore a certain basis for a further systematic environmental action exists.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Iron and steel" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributors to pollution are the production of iron and steel in steel rolling mills and foundries. This is mainly due to a high consumption of energy. Iron and steel foundries are included in an industry-oriented action under the Cleaner Products Support Program, but iron and steel works as well as other works working up iron and steel are not.

Iron and steel used as raw material for production of iron and steel, i.e. the next step in the supply chain, is described under the product group "73: Articles of iron and steel".

Information from the Statistics of foreign trade shows that the iron and steel works primarily get their raw materials in Denmark. The iron and steel works also have a certain exportation, probably of finished products.

There is a certain import, but a very small export of smaller items such as metallic barrels, bolts and screws. This means that these items primarily are used in Denmark. Within the group civil engineering steel constructions (larger units) some export and some import take place.

Within wholesales a large import and a large export takes place, which makes the wholesaler an important player in the supply chain of goods in co-operation with the producers. The overall supply pattern shows that both import and export is larger than the production in Denmark.

3.10 Product group 73 Articles of iron and steel

The product group "Articles of iron and steel" accounts for 4.6% of the total consumption in Denmark. This group is one of the largest product groups.

Production nearly equals (99%) consumption in Denmark. Imports correspond to 47% of consumption and exports correspond to 46% of consumption. Thus an important trade in "Articles of iron and steel" is taking place to and from Denmark.

Criteria for eco-labelling of the product group "Wood-burning stoves" have been elaborated and criteria for eco-labelling of "Iron pipes for sewers" and "Fittings for water pipes" are being prepared. Actually (June 2002) no licences have been awarded. Environmental guidelines for "District heating pipes" and "Cookers" have been issued. None of these are pointing the product group iron and steel out as an essential source of pollution.

The number of companies in the three related industrial sectors is large, probably over 2000 and with a preponderance of small enterprises. The three industrial sectors referred to above are "272: Manufacture of pipes", "281: Manufacture of steel constructions and parts to steel constructions" and "287: Manufacture of metallic barrels, wire products, bolts and screws".

The industrial sectors 272 and 287 are not subject to environmental approval while industrial sector 281 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Companies making products of iron, steel and metals".

With exemption of being part of an action concerning packaging materials, which is applied across the borders of several industrial sectors, none of the above-mentioned industrial sectors have been subject to actions, which are supported by the "Program for Cleaner Products" issued by the Danish EPA. All industrial sectors have been subject to an action under the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit. Therefore a certain basis for a further systematic environmental action exists.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Articles in iron and steel" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the production of steel in steel rolling mills. It should be stressed that transportation of raw materials and semi-products between the individual manufacturing industries play a certain role. The numbers also show that the making of iron and steel goods has a high consumption of energy. Furthermore the environmental impact of toxic substances contained in non-iron metals should be considered.

The numbers from the Statistics of foreign trade show that nearly half of the imports (45%) is dealt by wholesalers while these are handling less than 10% of the exports. Exports are featured by a preponderance of finished products being exported directly from the producers.

A part of the products in this product group is typically used by households and private individuals while another part has its users among professionals such as artisans and contractors. Therefore it can be assumed that goods being imported by the wholesalers are partly delivered to retailers for use in the private sector and partly delivered directly to the professionals.

Imports and exports made by retailers account for less than 0.5% of the total value of imports and exports.

The wholesalers in co-operation with the producers therefore play an important role in the supply chain of goods while handling an essential part of the imports and having a direct contact to end users and retailers.

3.11 Product group 74: Copper and articles thereof

The product group "Copper and articles thereof" is small accounting for only 0.3% of the total consumption in Denmark.

Only 41% of the amount of copper and articles thereof used is produced in Denmark and copper as raw material is not produced in Denmark. Imports account for more than consumption (115%) and exports account for 56% of the supplies which means that a considerable trade in "Copper and articles thereof" is taking place to and from Denmark.

Neither criteria for eco-labelling nor environmental guidelines have been elaborated for this product group.

The number of companies in the three related industrial sectors is large with a preponderance of small companies. The three related trades branches are "287: Manufacture of steel barrels, wire products, bolts and screws", "274: Manufacture of precious metals and base non-iron metals" and "323: Manufacture of radio, TV, antennae, loud speakers etc". "Copper and articles thereof" is therefore to a large extent manufactured in the same industrial sectors as articles of iron and steel, but covers also the manufacture of audio visual equipment.

Industrial sector 274 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Companies producing other metals than iron and steel including scrap iron". Neither industrial sector 287 nor industrial sector 323 are submitted to environmental approval.

Both of the industrial sectors numbered 274 and 323 have been subject to an industry-oriented action under the Cleaner Products Support Program. Concerning the first mentioned it was a special action aiming at tin and lead, which is not relevant for the group copper, and concerning the latter it was an action via the electronic goods panel. Industrial sector 287 has not been covered by an industry-oriented action, but an action aiming at packaging materials, which may appear to be irrelevant to this product group.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Copper and articles thereof" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributors to pollution are extraction of copper ores and smelting/refining of copper. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy in the production processes.

Denmark is a net importer of copper, which is useful in many different industrial applications. A trade-oriented action for this product group is therefore not relevant. On the other hand a possible action aiming at large scale recycling could be relevant since copper is regarded as a scarce resource.

3.12 Product group 76: Aluminium and articles thereof

The product group "Aluminium and articles thereof" is relatively large accounting for 1.7% of the total consumption in Denmark.

Production nearly equals (92%) consumption in Denmark. Imports correspond to 74% of consumption and exports correspond to 66% of consumption. Thus an important trade in "Aluminium and articles thereof" is taking place to and from Denmark.

Neither criteria for eco-labelling nor environmental guidelines have been elaborated for this product group.

The number of companies in the three related industrial sectors is large, about 2000 and with a preponderance of small enterprises. The three trades referred to above are "274: Manufacture of precious metals and basic non-iron metals", "281: Manufacture of steel constructions and parts to steel constructions", and "287: Manufacture of metallic barrels, wire products, bolts and screws". Products of aluminium are prepared in the same industrial sector as products of iron and steel while the basic products of aluminium are produced in another industrial sector.

Industrial sector 274 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Companies producing other metals than iron and steel including scrap iron", while industrial sector 281 is submitted to environmental approval being classified in the group "Companies making products of iron, steel and metals". The industrial sector 287 is not subject to environmental approval.

With exemption of being part of an action concerning packaging materials, which is applied across the borders of several industrial sectors, none of the industrial sectors numbered 281 and 287 has been subject to actions supported by the "Program for Cleaner Products" issued by the Danish EPA. Industrial sector 274 has been involved in a special action aiming at tin and lead. These metals are manufactured within this industrial sector. Furthermore should be mentioned "Cleaner Technology Projects", which have been carried out for galvanic industries which also are included in industrial sector 274. All industrial sectors have been subject to an action under the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit. Therefore a certain basis for a further systematic environmental action exists.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Aluminium and articles thereof" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributors to pollution are extraction raw materials and manufacturing of aluminium products. Transportation of raw materials and semi-products between companies also has a certain influence. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy in the production and manufacturing processes. It is highly advantageous to recycle aluminium since recycling only requires one tenth of the energy consumption used for production of primary aluminium.

The numbers from the Statistics of foreign trade show that primarily raw materials and semi-products are imported respectively exported while finished products play a minor role. A certain part of the foreign exchanges is managed by the wholesalers while the major part is handled by the manufacturing companies.

Retailers represent a very little part of the total amount of imports and exports within this product group. Retailers handle less than 1.5% of the value of imports and less than 0.5% of the value of exports. Probably these figures refer to drums and containers, household and kitchen articles as well as sanitary articles.

3.13 Product group 83: Miscellaneous articles of base metals

The product group "Miscellaneous articles of base metals" is relatively small accounting for only 0.7% of the total consumption in Denmark.

Production of "Miscellaneous articles of base metals" nearly equals consumption (92%). Imports are essential and correspond to 75% of consumption while exports amount to 67% of consumption. That means an important trade in miscellaneous articles of base metals is taking place to and from Denmark.

Presently (June 2002) no criteria for eco-labelling of the product group "Miscellaneous articles of base metals" have been established. On the other hand an environmental guideline for "Office equipment" which represents a tiny fraction of the product group has been issued.

The number of companies in the two related industrial sectors is large, more than 1700, with a preponderance of small enterprises. The two related trades branches are "286: Manufacture of cutlery, scissors etc." and "287: Manufacture of steel barrels, wire products, bolts and screws".

None of the two industrial sectors numbered 286 and 287 respectively are submitted to environmental approval and none of them have been subject to actions, which are supported by the "Program for Cleaner Products" issued by the Danish EPA. Industrial sector 287 is covered by the packaging materials action. Both industrial sectors have had actions aiming at the promotion of environmental management according to the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Miscellaneous articles of base metals" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the extraction of base metals. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy in the extraction and manufacturing processes. Transportation in the phase until and including manufacture also plays a certain role.

Wholesalers and agencies handle about half of the imports and a smaller amount of the exports. Therefore a certain trade in miscellaneous articles of base metals takes place in Denmark. This trade probably targets both retailers and manufacturers as well as wholesale directly to artisans.

3.14 Product group 86: Railway rolling stock and signalling

The product group "Railways" is middle sized and accounts for 1.3% of the total consumption in Denmark.

Imports nearly equal production in Denmark. Exports correspond to only 6% of total supplies. Thus it is to be assumed that the entire import and production is used in Denmark.

Neither criteria for eco-labelling nor environmental guidelines have been elaborated for this product group.

The number of companies in the two related industrial sectors is limited, less than 200 with a preponderance of small companies. The only exception is one large company belonging to an international group of companies. The related industrial sectors are "342: Coachwork" and "352: Manufacture of railway rolling stock etc.".

Neither industrial sector 342 nor industrial sector 352 are submitted to environmental approval. None of the industrial sectors have been subject to an action under the Cleaner Products Support Program, and none of them have been subject to a branch-oriented action under the Program for Promotion of Environmental Management and Audit.

From an environmental point of view the product group "Railways" has a large potential impact on the environment. During the life cycle until and including manufacture the main contributor to pollution is the manufacture of steel. The numbers also show a high consumption of energy in the manufacturing processes.

Numbers from the Statistics of foreign trade show that imports mainly concern the group "Other land transportation" (not including railways and pipes) and is entirely consumed in Denmark, since no exports are present in this group. Exports originate from the group "Manufacture of railway traction" – probably from the company Bombardier, which is the only large company within this industrial sector. Wholesales have no importance in this product group.