Green Chemistry for a prosperous and sustainable future

Green Chemistry is transforming Industries that will make our lives healthier and it is building a Sustainable and prosperous Future

?Last weekend I watched a series based on the science fiction novels written by the Chinese author Liu Cixin. The series explores humanity's contact with an alien civilization. In a complex and intriguing plot, the role of science stands out. At the end (ALERT SPOILER) humans are saved from the extraterrestrial invasion, thanks to a nanofiber filament, a revolutionary chemistry technology.

Watch the series led me to reflect on the role of chemistry in our history with some readings, discussions with scientific friends and insights provided by key players in the global chemical industry. I am more conscious now about the key role of the development of Chemistry in our lives, from primitive men and their discovery of fire to nuclear reactions and green energy. It turns out that the evolution of human beings is closely linked to the evolution in the use of chemistry.

Some people consider Chemistry to be the Central Science, because of it relates to the rest of the sciences and because it is the discipline that reveals to us how the Universe, Earth, and even human being, work. Everything is a chemical process. Understanding chemical processes, let us evolve and achieve higher levels of development.

Chemistry operating behind the scenes, serves as the bedrock of nearly all scientific, technological, and innovative advancements driving human progress. Without its contributions, both in the past and the future, humanity would not have achieved the level of progress, life expectancy and the quality of life that we experience today. It underpins every scientific breakthrough, technological and innovative solution that elevates our collective existence. Chemistry plays an indispensable role in our development and wellbeing.

The chemistry industry is shaping our world as it creates innovative solutions applicable from life-saving medicines to recycling, drinking water or green energy. Nowadays chemistry has emerged as a key player in combating climate change, preservation natural resources and contributing to the sustainability development. Some examples of the current disruptive innovations that the chemical sector is providing for the decarbonization of our economy are artificial photosynthesis, high-efficiency batteries for energy storage, processes to increase the efficiency of renewable energies, fuel cells, capture and storage of CO2, advanced textile materials, organic materials recycling, and technologies for the development of green hydrogen.

Chemical companies are key players to respond to global sustainability challenges while driving innovation and economic growth. Facing the global sustainability challenges the chemical leading companies are incorporating green chemistry as the new global approach. The green chemistry seeks to change how the industry produces, utilizes, and disposes chemical products, looking for safer chemicals, minimizing environmental impact and toxicity while maximizing efficiency and efficacy. Embracing green chemistry principles, the industry is shaping a better and more sustainable future and contributing to safeguard our planet for a prosperous future for generations to come. It looks like a better future is possible, thanks to technology.

I had the opportunity to know more about how the Chemistry industry is facing the sustainability challenges thanks to 万华化学 this week. Wanhua Chemical is a global leader in innovative chemical products such as polyurethanes, petrochemicals, performance chemicals, and emerging materials, and serves industries ranging from homeware to automotive or green energy.

Wanhua Chemical inaugurated the Wanhua R&D Center in Barcelona yesterday. I attended to the open ceremony and it was my pleasure to talk with Mr. Weiqi Hua, Executive Vice President. Mr. Hua explained to me that the center serves as a platform for Wanhua to showcase technology and innovative products. The objective of the center is to support fine chemicals and materials-related industries such as coatings, adhesives, green energy and adhesive plastics and focusing on cooperative development of green chemical technologies, such s biosynthesis, biomaterials and biodegradable materials. The Centre has as core functions provide professional technical support tailored to customers, including guidance on product performance, application methods and raw material selection as well as product development support, from formula design to process optimization and performance testing.

After having visit the site and spoken with the executive team I felt inspired by the ongoing technologies but also by the aim to support and collaborate with research institutions and universities. Mr Hua said “we always prioritized technological innovation as our core competency. This centre in Barcelona symbolizes our ongoing commitment to delivering high quality products and meeting customer needs. We aspire to engage with the industry in spirit of openness, collaborating to drive innovation and led the way in sustainable development.”

The Wanhua R&D Centre in Barcelona will foster collaboration with Leading Research Institutions and Universities for Innovative Development and will serve as a Bridgehead for attracting global Talent Locally and support the incredible scientific Spanish talent. ?I am happy to see that the Barcelona Technology Center has already established connections with organizations such as the University of Barcelona (UB), the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the Autonomous University of Catalonia (UAB), the Catalonia Institute of Chemical Research (ICIQ), and the Spanish Standardization Agency (UNE). And more will come.

I am looking forward to seeing in the short term how Green Chemistry, through alliances and collaboration, will find the solutions that we need to boast the utilization of renewable energy, the circular economy and waste utilization.

A new round of technological revolution is brewing, accelerating knowledge and industrial transformation. The chemical industry will undergo profound changes influenced by new trends as consumption upgrades, aging population, and green and low carbon technologies. The new ESG requirements will provide tremendous market opportunities for innovative enterprises with green energy becoming on of the fastest growing industries in the future.

I’m looking forward seeing how green chemistry, through alliances and collaboration, will boost the utilization of renewable energy and circular economy. I am confident that we will have a healthier and prosperous future and there is no doubt about the key role that Chemistry will play in.

A green revolution is here. Close your eyes. Imagine the future.