Published on April 19, 2014
Chemical manufacturers are increasingly adopting green route for manufacturing. Majority of the chemical industry is heavily dependent on non-renewable resources, obsolete processes that are wasteful and products that have not been checked for impact on human health or the environment. Green chemistry, on the other hand, equips chemical manufacturing with sustainable processes.
Green manufacturing is not only sustainable but also economical. It will help achieve both economic and environmental prosperity. As far India is concerned, the pharmaceutical industry was the first to adopt green processes in order to reduce damage to the environment. Dr Reddys Labs is said to be the first generic pharmaceutical company to join the Green Chemistry Institute (GCI) of American Chemical Society (ACS) whose aim is to ensure implementation of green chemistry.
Experts believe that the need of the hour is to educate budding scientists and make them aware of the benefits of green chemistary.
Green chemistry focuses on preventing pollution or encouraging processes that eliminate the use of dangerous substances. The increasing reliance in green chemistry is because green processes are economically viable in the long-run. Green processes offer numerous advantages like energy conservation, product optimisation, sustainability etc. Green chemistry will also enable development of processes with minimum Process Mass Intensity (PMI). Lowest PMI indicates lowest cost for a particular process. Thus, green chemistry will help manufacture affordable medicines that will help us lead a better life.
Specialty and fine chemical producers are also adopting green processes as reducing carbon footprint and wastes has become increasingly important. PI Industries Ltd is developing energy efficient processes that make use of safe and less-hazardous raw materials. PI Industries has promoted sustainable growth via syntesis of green processes and use of low-carbon materials. Their dedicated efforts have helped them improve yield, reduce use of raw materials, improve solvent recovery and minimize waste generation.
Green chemistry enables use of reduced quantities of raw material in order to achieve the same amount of output, reduced consumption of energy and minimal waste generation. Efficient use of resources and energy ensures monetary and environmenal gains.
