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41 Summary and conclusionsConcrete examples of formalised and binding environmental co-operationhave been described in 2 product chains. Through a number of years thecompany DAN-RENS A/S has dealt with environmental circumstances, andwithin the last couple of years SKY-LIGHT A/S has also focused onenvironmental matters.The conditions of the actual companies have been described and it has beenshown that when Danish and foreign companies co-operate barriers are set upagainst including environmental considerations.Danish and foreign companies in the product chain of the 2 companies havebeen interviewed on the basis of an interview form prepared by the projectgroup. The answers have been processed and summarised. Tools used by the2 companies have also been described.The conclusions are described in form of the barriers met by the companieswhen environmental work is brought into focus.The exchange of experience between DAN-RENS A/S and SKY-LIGHTA/S has been very positive and rewarding for both parties. The process oflearning each other's work and the handling of environmental matters betweencustomer and supplier has been discussed.The Danish companies that have been asked have all been very co-operativeand willing to answer questions. It has been more difficult to get any dialoguestarted with the foreign companies.In spite of the fact that Danish companies for some time have worked withenvironmental matters and for instance have built and introduced the ISO14001 standard, the EMAS-regulation etc., the competitive power has notbeen increased correspondingly, neither as regards current nor newcustomers. Private and public customers make demands from the suppliersaccording to the following prioritised sequence: price, quality and guaranteeof delivery and only then environmental matters.Trade with the other EEC countries is made difficult when Denmark wishesto be a pioneer country within the environmental area and keeps introducingspecial rules. This means that the flow of goods is being impeded.The inscrutable legislation in Denmark hinders the environmental work of thecompanies. It is necessary for Danish companies to set aside enormousresources in order to observe the legislation. There is not a lot of help to behad from the local supervising authorities who do not seem to possess thenecessary resources to keep up with the latest legislation in the area. Theforeign suppliers cannot command the Danish legislation and thereforedisregard the inquiries of the Danish companies regarding environmentalareas.273