Is Green Chemistry a feasible tool for the implementation of a circular economy?

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Feb;27(6):6215-6227. doi: 10.1007/s11356-019-07177-5. Epub 2019 Dec 21.

Abstract

The main goal of this research is to evaluate the contributions of Green Chemistry as a potential tool to drive the transition to circularity. For this, we have carried out a bibliographic study, analyzing those documents, process, or experiences that dealt jointly with the Green Chemistry aspects related to circularity such circular economy, industrial ecology, and closed loop. Findings show that few authors have treated that disciplines together in the last 10 years. Based on an analysis of academic literature, common strategies (design, raw materials, life cycle assessment, processes, normative, new business, and collaboration), specific experiences (catalyst, biobased products or methods, recycling, and reusing), and difficulties to overcome (metrics, transdisciplinary research, unawareness, and competitiveness) have been identified. Finally, different kind of measures, as behind such joint metrics, informal open spaces, closer the industry, education, standards and label are proposed to facilitate the development of Green Chemistry, circular economy, industrial ecology, and closed loop with the ultimate goal of improving sustainable development.From the evidences found, we finally conclude that it is possible to use Green Chemistry and its principles as a tool to drive the transition to circularity, being the development of open spaces for exchange information between different actors from academia, governments and regulatory actors, business and industrial sectors, with the aim of promoting disruptive advances in sustainability.

Keywords: Circular economy; Closed loop; Green chemistry; Industrial ecology; Life cycle assessment.

MeSH terms

  • Ecology*
  • Green Chemistry Technology*
  • Industry
  • Recycling / economics*