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Abstract: The search for innovative solutions to support the growing need for cleaner industrial operations is an example of a problem solving process. Because Brazil is one of the largest milk producers, of which Rio Grande do Sul is one of the three largest producers inside Brazil, we emphasize that the dairy industry is important for the regional, national and global economy. This study used the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving to solve cleaner production problems, identify and develop opportunities within the dairy industry and serve as an innovative tool to search for ways to improve environmental efficiency. This research involved three companies with different sizes and characteristics and was based on the fundamental concepts and tools from the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. The aim of this study was to detect the critical processes in the industries of interest and to detail the features that influence the quality of the studied processes. The results show that this method can be considered as an alternative for resolving related cleaner production problems, especially when the availability of company data is scarce. Furthermore, we highlight the necessity for a feasibility analysis stage because Theory of Inventive Problem Solving does not include this phase within its methodology. These proposals are technically, environmentally and economically attractive and meet the needs of the studied companies. Hence, we conclude that the integration of Theory of Inventive Problem Solving and cleaner production is effective for generating inventive and sustainable solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]