Scope of Green & Sustainable Chemistry

Our life has been supported and enriched by wide varieties of chemical products which have been invented by chemists and realized by chemical industries. On the other hand, such chemicals as hydrofluorocarbons have caused entirely new environmental problems which were hitheto not experienced in human history and exceeded our scientific knowledge when they were introduced. Plastics are another example. These have been used widely, and have contributed to our life in many aspects. But plastic waste treatment is now recognized as one of the most common and difficult problems to be solved.

We have learned from these experiences that, when designing new chemicals or chemical processes, we must consider and fully prepare for any probable risks to the environment and human health, at the same level as we consider the benefits from their use. It must be emphasized that these considerations should cover the whole life cycle of chemical products, from the selection of raw materials to the final treatment of residues and wastes. Minimization, recycling and feedstock regeneration of the residues and wastes should be highly encouraged.

Expectations regarding chemists and chemical engineers by society are quite high, and the responsibility of these persons to the global environment is enormously heavy. We recognize that collaborations and the joint works of industry, academia and national institutions are essential to successfully fulfill these requirements. It is also recognized that we need a new concept of chemical technology, which shows the goals, directions and ways of chemistry, with the environment and human health being regarded as just as important as benefits.


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