ANÁLISE DO PROCESSO DE GESTÃO AMBIENTAL EM INDÚSTRIAS DO SEGMENTO METAL-MECÂNICO DO VALE DO RIO DOS SINOS, RIO GRANDE DO SUL.

This paper aims to analyze the environmental management process in companies in the metal-mechanic sector located in the Vale dos Sinos region, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The research problem was approached quantitatively, using as collection technique the survey research in 159 companies in that region. From the descriptive statistics analysis was established that the companies investigated, in general, are still in the early stages with regard to environmental management practices. The environmental management process adopted aims to meet the external influences from environmental legislation and pressure from the community. It was further observed that the actions prioritized by the organizations are more focused on manufacturing processes, looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs, with little emphasis on the development of products that enable differentiation in niche markets that value the orientation pro-environmental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]