sustainable chemistry

We bring together and promote the expertise in 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 in meeting the key challenges of the future.

Sustainability means developing societies in such a way that today’s 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 the holistic consideration of products and processes throughout their entire life cycle.

Sustainable chemistry is the key discipline that will safeguard the future viability of industrial society. It concerns chemistry’s sustainable contributions to all areas of life (mobility, nutrition, clothing, housing, etc.). It is also essential to incorporate the concept of sustainability into all levels of education, research and production. The further development of current chemistry into sustainable chemistry is also an integral part of the circular economy and the energy transition. Sustainable chemistry addresses the following challenges facing society:

• efficient design of material cycles
• tapping into alternative resources and making better use of established resources
• 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 work on new energy carriers
• designing new recycling and upcycling strategies, as well as innovative uses for existing waste streams
• developing substances and products that break down rapidly and completely when they enter the environment through their intended use
• establishing new business models

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