Sustainable chemistry: how to produce better and more from less?

Abstract

The International Symposium on Green Chemistry (ISGC) organized in 2013, 2015 and 2017 has gathered many senior and young talented scientists from all around the world (2200 attendees in three editions), either from academia or industry. Through outstanding conferences, communications, debates, and round tables, ISGC has been the witness of the rapid evolution of chemistry in the context of a sustainable development of our societies, not only at the scientific and industrial levels but also on education, networking and societal aspects. This critical review synthesizes the different points of view and the discussions having taken place at ISGC and gives a general picture of chemistry, including few scientific disciplines such as catalysis, processes, resource management, and environmental impact, among others, within the framework of sustainable development. This critical review, co-authored by researchers from public organizations and chemical companies (small, medium and large industrial groups) provides criteria and recommendations which, in our view, should be considered from the outset of research to accelerate the emergence of eco-designed products on the market.