Adopting green chemistry

Adopting green chemistry is key for Indian manufacturers to drive sustainability and enhance their competitive edge.

It is commonly said that prevention is the best cure. This holds equally true for our well-being, the health of the planet, and even industry. Hence, when it comes to the mother of all materials-chemicals-moving in the green direction is the need of the hour.

Based on the core Genesys of leveraging bio-degradable renewable feedstocks, energy efficiency, and designing safer and cleaner chemicals, Green chemistry is best understood as a holistic approach to enhancing sustainability, covering all aspects of the creation of chemicals from design to manufacturing and cradle-to-grave. With chemicals being the building blocks of modern life - from agriculture and pharmaceuticals to flavours and fragrances the principles governing green chemistry have created a potential to achieve sustainability at scale for the nation and industry as it not only reduces or eliminates hazards but also provides an opportunity to design chemicals that inherently safer and less hazardous.

For a country which has the sixth-largest chemical industry globally and is poised to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% and reach USD 383 billion by 2030, widespread adoption of green chemistry practices will reaffirm India's commitment to sustainable growth in line with evolving markets.

Why the industry needs green chemistry

Traditionally, chemicals have been associated with hazardous waste and pollution. Hence, by adopting oleochemicals, which are chemicals derived from plant-and animal-based chemistries and greener manufacturing practices, the generation of hazardous substances is eliminated at the source. Not only does this create environmentally friendly, cleaner chemicals, but it also helps reduce costs for expensive effluent treatment and waste management.