sustainable chemistry

We bring together and promote the expertise of chemistry that contributes to sustainable development

The German Chemical Society (GDCh) established the Division of Sustainable Chemistry because chemistry’s contribution to sustainable development is becoming increasingly important worldwide. Almost all disciplines of chemistry are relevant to meeting the key challenges of the future.

Sustainability means developing societies in such a way that current needs are met while preserving the development opportunities of future generations. Giving equal consideration to economic, environmental and social objectives is a fundamental and decisive factor, as is taking a holistic view of products and processes throughout their entire life cycle.

Sustainable chemistry is the key discipline that will secure the future viability of industrial society. It is about chemistry making sustainable contributions to all areas of life (mobility, food, clothing, housing, etc.). It is also essential to embed the principle of sustainability at every level of education, research and production. Developing current chemistry into sustainable chemistry is also an integral part of the circular economy and the energy transition. Sustainable chemistry addresses the following societal challenges:

• efficient design of material cycles
• developing alternative resources and making better use of established ones
• avoiding critical raw materials (availability, toxicity, etc.)
• developing optimised syntheses and innovative catalytic processes to save energy and raw materials
• using reagent-free conversions (photochemistry and electrosynthesis)
• research and development into new energy carriers
• designing new recycling and upcycling strategies, and innovatively using existing waste streams
• developing substances and products that break down quickly and completely when they enter the environment through their intended use
• establishing new business models

Short link to this page: www.gdch.de/nachhaltigechemie