Journal of Cleaner Production – Sustainability Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Journal of Cleaner Production for High-Impact Publications

The Journal of Cleaner Production stands as a cornerstone in the field of sustainability, offering researchers a premier platform to disseminate groundbreaking work on environmental and resource management. Published by Elsevier since 1993, this journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars addressing the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. With a focus on innovative solutions to production and consumption challenges, it attracts contributions from diverse disciplines including environmental engineering, industrial ecology, and policy studies. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the most impactful research sees publication, making it a sought-after venue for academics aiming to influence global sustainability agendas.

Researchers value the Journal of Cleaner Production for its interdisciplinary approach, which bridges theoretical insights with practical applications. Articles often explore topics like circular economy models, life cycle assessments, and sustainable supply chains, providing actionable strategies for industries worldwide. The journal's commitment to open innovation fosters collaborations that drive real-world change, from reducing carbon footprints in manufacturing to promoting eco-friendly urban planning. Its global readership, spanning over 100 countries, amplifies the reach of published work, enhancing citation potential and career advancement for authors.

Key to its appeal is the journal's emphasis on high-quality, evidence-based research that tackles pressing issues such as climate change mitigation and resource efficiency. By integrating social, economic, and environmental perspectives, it supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, appealing to policymakers and practitioners alike. For early-career researchers, publishing here offers visibility in a competitive academic landscape, often leading to invitations for conferences and further funding opportunities.

As sustainability becomes increasingly urgent, the Journal of Cleaner Production remains at the forefront, guiding researchers toward publications that matter. To explore related academic opportunities, check out sustainability jobs or environmental science PhD programs.

Overview & History

The Journal of Cleaner Production was launched in 1993 by Elsevier to address the growing need for scholarly discourse on sustainable production practices. Initially focused on industrial ecology, it has expanded to encompass broader sustainability themes, reflecting evolving global priorities. Over three decades, it has published thousands of articles, establishing itself as a benchmark for cleaner technology research. The journal's inception coincided with rising environmental awareness post-Rio Earth Summit, positioning it to influence policy and practice in cleaner manufacturing and consumption.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal covers a wide array of topics centered on sustainable development in production systems. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research that promotes cleaner processes across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

Key Journal Metrics

Metrics highlight the journal's influence and selectivity, based on data from Clarivate Journal Citation Reports and Scopus.

Indexing and Abstracting

The Journal of Cleaner Production is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide visibility. It appears in Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), Scopus, and PubMed for relevant articles. Additional coverage includes DOAJ for open access content, though primarily hybrid. This indexing supports discoverability and metrics tracking for authors.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, it offers both subscription-based and open access options. Authors can publish under traditional access with no fees or choose gold open access with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately 3,720 USD (excluding taxes). Elsevier's green open access policy allows self-archiving after embargo. No page charges apply for standard publications.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled via Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Manuscripts must follow the journal's guidelines, including structured abstracts and adherence to ethical standards. Initial screening checks for scope fit, followed by double-anonymized peer review. Average time to first decision is 4-6 weeks. Detailed guidelines are available on the official site.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board comprises over 100 experts from institutions like MIT, Tsinghua University, and the University of Leeds. Editor-in-Chief Jiri Klemeš from Brno University of Technology leads with expertise in process integration. Regional editors ensure global perspectives, covering Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Why Publish in Journal of Cleaner Production?

Publishing here offers prestige through high impact and broad dissemination. It connects researchers with industry leaders, fostering collaborations. The journal's focus on practical implications enhances real-world application of research, boosting author profiles for tenure and grants.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, align your work with the journal's scope, emphasizing novelty and sustainability impacts. Use clear, concise language and robust methodologies. Engage with recent articles for context. Pre-submission inquiries to editors can clarify fit. For career support, visit Rate My Professor or academic calendar. Additional links: higher ed jobs, tenure track positions, postdoc opportunities, sustainability conferences, environmental policy jobs, green engineering programs, climate research funding, sustainable development courses.