“Green chemistry is the best chemistry and it is only a matter of time before all products and all processes will be completely sustainable, without any impact on the environment, contributing to the wellbeing of society.” This is the view of Branko Dunjić of Serbia’s National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC), one of several NCPCs participating in UNIDO’s Global Greenchem Innovation and Network Programme (GGINP), which is executed by the Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale University.

“When I say ‘what’s next for green chemistry’, it’s really what’s next for chemistry, because all chemistry needs to be green.” says Prof. Paul Anastas, the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment at Yale, and the Executing Director of the GGINP. He is one of the ‘fathers of Green Chemistry’ and established the field that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines as "the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances."

While manufacturing has long been a source of pollution and toxic emissions, GGINP is bringing together industry, academia, and green chemistry advocates and enthusiasts to help the development of new eco-efficient products and processes in six participating countries and beyond. From construction to textiles, this ambitious programme, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), targets a broad range of sectors across continents, in Indonesia, Jordan, Peru, Serbia, Uganda, and Ukraine.

The programme’s reach is set to grow further through the launch of its global network platform at the Global Green Chemistry Conference held in Atlanta, US in June 2024.  Developed by the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University, the American Chemical Society, and Beyond Benign, the platform seeks to connect people and resources globally to accelerate research, innovation, and the commercialization of sustainable chemical processes and products.

“Given that this is a global programme, we are committed to ensuring that impact is achieved in the project countries and worldwide. This network provides an ideal platform for global learning, mentorship, and the application of green and sustainable practices” explains Lars Ratjen, Global Programme Manager, Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University. “We are excited to see how the programme develops further as we commence a series of workshops over the coming months and set the stage for the exciting business accelerator component of the programme.”

The accelerator programme will build further on the global network system to enable startups and small companies from developing countries to participate in capacity building on green chemistry and green business, and get their businesses off the ground. This programme is expected to generate innovation ecosystems, and support strong national and regional capacities, leading to the creation of new and exciting innovations. Yearly business competitions will create the necessary buzz to ensure visibility and traction of the program.

Awareness-raising is also an important aspect of GGINP and over 1,200 people have already participated in trainings and awareness-raising events. The program will train policymakers, with a focus on the review of relevant national legislation, ensuring the support of innovation and cleaner chemical practices. As the programme develops, pilot companies in the six participating nations will receive direct support, and improve responsible sourcing, waste management, and cleaner production.

“In partnering with Yale University on this programme, we have a unique opportunity to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, technical experts, scientists and academia through a communication ecosystem in support of green innovation and purposeful design,” states UNIDO Programme Manager, Rodica Ella Ivan. “We look forward to capitalizing on this network for knowledge generation and technology acceleration in developing countries.”

For further information, please see: https://www.globalgreenchem.com/  https://chemistryforsustainability.org/