This innovative way of approaching the synthesis of new chemical substances seeks environmental sustainability to achieve a chemistry that is more friendly to health and the environment Chemistry WordPress Blog.
The chemical industry is one of the largest and most consolidated industrial sectors in Spain, with more than 3,000 companies. According to the data provided by the Business Federation of the Spanish Chemical Industry (FEIQUE), it represents a fundamental weight as an economic engine of the country with the generation of 5.5% of the GDP and 3.7% of employment, including its effects. indirect and induced.
With a turnover of 64,519 million euros, of which almost 60% are invoiced in foreign markets (up to 36,570 million euros) and a growing weight in countries outside the European Union, the chemical sector is the second largest exporter of the Spanish economy, only behind the automobile.
The chemical sector is the second largest exporter in the Spanish economy, only behind the automobile.
The chemical industry is also a leader in innovation . Last year, more than 1,038 million euros were allocated to R&D&I, which represents a quarter of total private investment in this area. Likewise, one in five researchers in the private sector is hired by the chemical industry to practice their profession, highlights FEIQUE.
Recently there have been great advances in this field, being one of the main allies of the circular economy through research into products, materials and processes. Among them, green chemistry stands out , an innovative way of approaching the synthesis of new chemical substances that seeks environmental sustainability to achieve a chemistry that is more friendly to health and the environment.
Green chemistry is present throughout the entire life cycle of a product; from its design to its use, through the manufacturing process
This model, which is based on 12 principles that were formulated in the 90s by scientists Paul Anastas and John Warner in their book ‘Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice’, is present throughout the entire life cycle of a product; from its design to its use, through the manufacturing process. Therefore, green chemistry provides a series of advantages and benefits that not only help protect the health of our planet and all of us who live on it, but also allows companies that follow its principles to be more economically competitive.
Green chemistry (also called sustainable chemistry) helps save and preserve resources – less use of water and energy, reduction of the environmental impact of chemicals once used or more sustainable production processes -, obtain benefits to create a healthier environment and It has the capacity to transform sectors such as agriculture, food, energy or pharmaceuticals, among others.
There is a gradual commitment on the part of scientists, investors and institutions to help its development. Among other initiatives, the Green Chemistry Institute stands out , whose objective is to promote the use of green chemistry in favor of a more sustainable environment that protects human health by resorting to this new concept of organic chemistry.
Expert Pascal Kornfuehrer , director of the Technology Office of the high-performance polymer company Covestro AG, believes that the chemical industry needs to “rethink its relationship with nature” and seek to be “ more efficient and greener ” with the aim of “limit the exploitation of the environment” carried out by a linear economy based on “throwaway” that leads society to “a dead end”.
Pioneer projects
Researchers from the King Juan Carlos University (URJC), in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), have tested a “perovskite” type material that makes it possible to reduce the electrical cost of the method used to eliminate organic contaminants in wastewater.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) presented a proposal to restrict the use of microplastic particles that are intentionally added to consumer products, due to the potential risk they pose to health and the environment.
Cepsa has launched the first chemical plant in the world to evolve Retail Technology: Cepsa Química has launched the first chemical plant in the world converted to Retail Technology for the production of the raw material for biodegradable detergents, the linear alkylbenzene (LAB). This technology allows water consumption to be reduced by up to 80,000 m3 per year. In addition, the company has invested 117 million euros to reinforce its global leadership in LAB manufacturing and has committed to continue advancing towards more sustainable chemistry by using renewable and recycled raw materials, developing products with less fossil carbon and using waste such as raw material.