Green chemistry is the design, manufacture and use of efficient, effective, safe and more environmentally benign chemical products and precesses. Within the broad framework of sustainable development, government, academia and industry should strive the maximise resource efficiency through activities such as energy and non-renewable resource conservation, risk minimisation, pollution prevention, minimisation of waste at all stages of a product life-cycle, and the development of products that are durable and can be re-use and recycled.
Green chemistry is a relatively new concept and scientific area that aims to improve the efficiency with which natural resources are used to meet human needs for chemical products and services. In doing so, it can contribute to achieving a cleaner, healthier, and sustainable environment and improving the image of chemistry as a problem solving science in society. The ultimate goal of green chemistry is to contribute to the realisation of a "sustainable society", with the help of chemical technology.
Green chemistry products or precesses fall within three broad categories:
1) Use of renewable or recycled feedstocks;
2) Increased energy efficiency, or using less energy for the same or greater output;
3) Avoidance of substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic.
The promotion and implementation of green chemistry relies on a number of key actors; government, academia, industry, professional societies and NGOs. Each can play an important role either independently or working in collaboration with other actors. For