Published on August 22, 2013
Chemistry, a science of progression, constant change, of the compounds that make us, is vital to the modern life in myriad ways. This central science has introduced us to life saving drugs, innovative technologies for energy conservation, new ways to protect our environment, increased food production, so on and so forth. It helps mankind in almost every facet of life.
The industry based on this physical science is in itself constantly evolving, surprising us with its research, innovation and growth. From the clothes you wear to the car you drive, the Smartphones, hi-tech gadgets have all been possible due to the avant-garde thinking of this innovative industry. They are always on the search for ways to increase efficiency of our medicines, make the food we eat healthier, save our planet and the depleting environment, and develop viable alternatives to renewable resources. Thus we owe our very existence to the chemical sciences and engineering.
The need for sustainable economic growth, growth that does not put our environment and the future generations in jeopardy, has become the need of the hour. Depleting resources and the absolute necessity to find alternatives energy strategies has strengthened industry efforts to ensure sustainability. The result of years of toil and hard work was “Industrial Biotechnology” – an amalgamation of petrochemicals and biotechnology. The industry hopes to use this technology to produce sustainable chemical processes and products.
Change and innovation has helped the industry better existing chemical processes, simplify the manufacturing process, so that ultimately the consumers have products that are not only efficient but also less expensive. However the industry has for years emphasized not only on R&D but also on responsibility. Responsibility is the key to a sustainable tomorrow. The industry stresses the importance of importance of responsibility and care in every process and procedure it utilizes. They are constantly engaged in addressing the safety concerns associated with the industry. They have ensured that state-of-the-art R&D is used to prevent further environmental degradation. The industry makes certain that their chemicals are manufactured in a clean and sustainable manner, transported safely to their clients and are disposed quickly. For instance, majority of the chemical manufacturers insist upon ISO containers for transporting hazardous chemicals. Only certified tankers are used to ensure delivery of dangerous chemicals. Thus, the industry has come up with a safe delivery mechanism which guarantees that hazardous chemicals reach customers in a secure, green and sustainable way.
Another instance of the industry’s dedication to reach sustainable economic growth is the efforts to eliminate or reduce all kinds of waste. The industry also makes it a point to try and reuse/ recycle anything. Water scarcity is extreme in some parts of the world. Water is a basic amenity and every human has a right to it. To address this grave problem, the industry recycles industrial wastewater and this recycled water is what is used in many of their manufacturing units. Recycling water will benefit thousands and lessen the pressure on natural sources of water. In many countries even the central leadership has collaborated with the industry to sustain a planet-wide momentum, and urge other industries to work towards sustainable growth.
Green Chemistry will ensure that chemical products right from their conception are environmentally neutral. The chemical industry continues to work to provide consumers with enhanced, efficient, safe and sustainable products. If every industry follows suit and takes a step towards sustainability a “greener tomorrow” is a definite possibility. We have a long way to go; to undo every harm done to the environment will take years and the efforts of many generations to come. However, every action no matter how small takes us a step closer to sustain the planet that sustains us.
