Economic impact for chemical companies of complying with environmental law

Abstract

This study aims to measure and evaluate the economic impact resulting from compliance with current environmental standards at three chemical companies located in the metropolitan area of ​​Porto Alegre. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the managers of the companies in order to understand their perception of the organizational universe. Based on the theoretical aspects that served as the basis for the analysis we conducted, we found that both environmental assets and liabilities are assumed in the companies’ day-to-day activities, making them susceptible to the success or loss of their credibility in the active market. However, among respondents we observed that, in companies in which they operate, the idea that environmental investments do not bring financial results to businesses persists. Thus, it is relevant to make known that companies’ environmental actions become attached to their image.