The Environmental Management System of ISO 14001 stands out as one of the most widely used systems for managing corporate environmental aspects and processes and the Cleaner Production is a proactive environmental strategy that has remarkably positive results in environmental corporate management. The principal aim of this article was to identify and analyze the influence relations of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System to the Cleaner Production through a survey-based research. The maturity and the phases of planning and discipline are key factors for the systematization and continuity of Cleaner Production practices. The stages of Planning, Evaluation and Feasibility Study, and Implementation were identified as the main stages of CP fostered by the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. •We analyzed the relations of the ISO 14001 EMS to the CP in industrial companies.•The main influence relations were identified and discussed.•Four hypotheses of relations were tested.•Two main CP stages are fostering by the ISO 14001 EMS.•These results should be considered in many industrial sectors worldwide.