Collections
Sustainability
In this collection we explore sustainable solutions for addressing global challenges, covering interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, including renewable energy sources, green chemistry, reducing waste and emissions, circular economy principles, and solutions for a low carbon and net zero future.
Sustainable labs
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Sustainable laboratories report uncovers what chemists are already doing to reduce the environmental footprint of their research, while at the same time continuing to deliver the ground-breaking discoveries and innovation that make the world a better place. This report shares the barriers and trade-offs they face in making sustainability-related changes, and the many opportunities for collaboration and other positive action.
The Royal Society of Chemistry also curated a special collection of research from its journals that showcases some of the innovative approaches to reduce the environmental impact of research, from solvent selection guides to machine learning approaches and more.
The labs pointing to a greener future for Africa
Tackling climate is not just a job for scientists in more developed countries. Munyaradzi Makoni talks to researchers in Kenya and South Africa to find out more
The RSC’s climate challenge
The Royal Society of Chemistry aims to use Cop26 as a springboard to a more sustainable future. Rachel Brazil reports
Sustainable lab buildings
After a decade of grassroots growth, the laboratory sustainability movement is bursting into the mainstream finds James Mitchell Crow
It's even cheaper being green
Reducing the environmental impact of your lab can save money as well as water and fuel. Phillip Broadwith reports
Making strides in sustainable laboratories: Examples of recent initiatives
Innovating for the future of sustainable labs
Chemists want help to cut the environmental footprint of their labs
Setting the standard for calculating indirect emissions
Labs’ carbon footprint under scrutiny as tool calculates impact of buildings and scientists
Majority of top chemicals on market deemed environmentally unsustainable by new metric
Green chemistry
News
US charity launches $100 million green chemistry initiative
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to fund seven year project headed by sustainable chemistry pioneer Paul Anastas
Research
Pitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research
Research
Light-driven catalytic system makes ammonia from nitrogen and water
Dual catalyst system operates under ambient conditions, offering a way to reduce ammonia production’s environmental impact
News
‘Chemistry changed the world before, we just need to do it again’: Stockholm declaration reimagines future
Paul Anastas talks to Chemistry World about organising call for chemistry to transform itself and make the world more sustainable
Sponsored
Exploring the frontiers of the periodic table: bismuth catalysis and its applications
Join us on 16 October to learn about state-of-the-art synthesis coming from one of the world’s leading catalysis research groups
Setting new standards for British laboratories
Lab Innovations brings together experts from all corners of the industry
A formula to calculate carbon
World’s leading chemical companies spearhead initiative to decarbonise supply chains
ResearchReflective cement could help buildings stay cool in hot weather
‘Supercooling’ material could drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption associated with air conditioning units
ResearchA greener approach to finishing fabrics
Cottonseed oil used to confer wrinkle and water resistance
ResearchUnrecovered byproducts from US mines could meet the country’s demand for dozens of critical materials
Huge quantities of metals and other elements are discarded each year in mining waste
NewsTool backed by Apple will help electronics manufacturers swap out unsafe chemicals
Manufacturers of chemical cleaners and degreasers for electronics will have registry of safer, more sustainable chemicals to use in their products
ResearchModelling suggests waste heat from AI data centres could power carbon capture and water purification
Analysis considering thermodynamics, economics and emissions shows how AI could flip its environmental footprint to become both water-positive and carbon-negative
NewsPlastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
NewsExplainer: The chemistry of permastink and how to prevent it
How to avoid throwing out smelly polyester sportswear
NewsUS charity launches $100 million green chemistry initiative
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to fund seven year project headed by sustainable chemistry pioneer Paul Anastas
ResearchBacterium engineered to produce paracetamol from plastic bottle waste
Research demonstrates new ways to remediate plastic and upcycle chemicals derived from waste
ResearchPitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists
Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research
ResearchPath to carbon dioxide-based chemicals smoothed with a dash of acid
Hydrochloric acid dissolves salts that gum-up reaction process
BusinessUK industrial strategy prioritises advanced manufacturing and life sciences
Government will subsidise electricity-intensive industries as part of support for eight key sectors
BusinessCongo’s cobalt conundrum
DRC government is intervening to revive prices and stabilise supply chains
ResearchLight-driven catalytic system makes ammonia from nitrogen and water
Dual catalyst system operates under ambient conditions, offering a way to reduce ammonia production’s environmental impact
News‘Chemistry changed the world before, we just need to do it again’: Stockholm declaration reimagines future
Paul Anastas talks to Chemistry World about organising call for chemistry to transform itself and make the world more sustainable
NewsChemists urged to build a greener future by Stockholm declaration document
‘Father of green chemistry’ Paul Anastas among those spearheading call to action
ResearchFilter paper simplifies squaramide synthesis
Capillary-driven flow distributes reagents evenly
OpinionMulti-disciplinary scientists are ready to solve global chemical pollution
Are governments ready to act?
OpinionNew materials for sustainable fabrics
Textiles based on agricultural waste, algae and fungi are being developed to improve the environmental impact of the fashion industry
BusinessBiomanufacturing proliferates in chemicals
Fermentation can improve sustainability at competitive costs
ResearchCareful catalyst design boosts ethanol to hydrogen production
The reaction also generates acetic acid and its developers believe it can compete economically with current manufacturing processes
ResearchSeed oil-based polymer should survive a day in the rain but degrade within years in the sea
Researchers create polyesteramides from brassylic acid and explore their potential as a replacement for polyethylene
NewsMaterials strategy for UK needs chemistry to succeed and create new industries
Ten-year plan proposed by Henry Royce Institute aims to boost productivity and support the circular economy
ResearchPhase-changing crystals could cut air-conditioning’s climate impact
Organic ionic plastic crystals show a ’colossal’ entropy change when undergoing a pressure-induced phase transition