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
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
How to run a sustainable chemistry lab
Green chemistry
Research
Analysis of three French chemistry labs shows how they could halve their carbon footprint by 2030
Open-source tool helps researchers evaluate a series of carbon mitigation strategies
Research
Riding the microwave: three chemists share their stories
Disagreements surrounding non-thermal effects didn’t stop microwave reactors becoming a standard part of laboratory life
Research
Lasers and lithium team up for ammonia production at ambient conditions
A pioneering method uses lasers and lithium salts to fix nitrogen with record-breaking yields
Sponsored
A formula to calculate carbon
World’s leading chemical companies spearhead initiative to decarbonise supply chains
Lab Innovations 2023 lays the path for smart and sustainable labs
The UK’s only trade fair for the whole lab industry forges the way to sustainability and innovation
A three step strategy to make your research more sustainable
How chemistry data can make your reactions greener
WebinarThe pivotal role of chemistry in India’s sustainable development
Join us on 5 June to learn how chemistry is playing an important role in shaping the future of sustainable development in India
ResearchSelf-dyeing vegan leather made by genetically engineered bacteria
Material can be shaped into shoes and wallets, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather
ResearchAnalysis of three French chemistry labs shows how they could halve their carbon footprint by 2030
Open-source tool helps researchers evaluate a series of carbon mitigation strategies
CareersA sustainable career in sustainability
How Xampla’s principal scientist Lynette Holland became an industry leader without sacrificing her work-life balance
ResearchDIY recycling protocol could save organoiridium waste from incinerators
‘A very good solution to solve a niche problem’
ResearchCarbon-negative decking could lock up CO2 equivalent to taking 50,000 cars off the road
New material stores more carbon dioxide than is released during its lifecycle and is 18% cheaper
OpinionMaking chemicals safe and sustainable
The green transition is an opportunity to also make industry simpler and safer
BusinessSustainability – from dirty word to industry imperative
Efforts to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes have shaped the evolution of the entire sector
ResearchMOF-based filter harvests energy from seawater evaporation
Prototype device generates sustained electric current as salt water evaporates
ResearchPhotochemistry converts dry-cleaning solvent waste into useful chemicals
One-pot reaction offers way to upcycle industrial solvent waste
OpinionTo reach net zero, we need to close the loop on combustion
A systems thinking approach to decarbonising our economies presents chemistry with a key challenge
BusinessUK plans carbon emission tariffs on imports
Government is consulting on plans to prevent ‘carbon leakage’, as well as extending emissions trading scheme to 2050
NewsPioneering ammonia-powered ship shows off a greener future for shipping at Cop28
Greener shipping on the horizon but regulations mean no port will take ships powered by ammonia yet
BusinessChemicals roundup 2023
Chemical companies entered cost-cutting mode in a year dominated by overcapacity and slow demand
NewsVested interests pose threat to chemical waste and plastic pollution initiatives
Researchers warn that conflicts of interest will hinder efforts to tackle the world’s pollution crises
ResearchNew catalytic process completely breaks down nylon-6 in minutes
US chemists report the mildest conditions to date for Nylon-6 depolymerisation, recovering 99% of the original monomers in the plastic
OpinionAre chemicals the elephant in the sustainability room?
What the transition to a net zero, circular economy means for chemists and the chemicals industry
NewsHow your lab can cut its environmental footprint by recycling its gloves
Thousands of tonnes of disposable gloves go to landfill every year. Meet the people trying to change that
NewsConsensus definition of sustainable chemistry sets a clear direction for science, governments and investors
Working group tasked with developing definition and criteria that supports action not greenwashing
NewsDisposable vapes contribute to nearly $10 billion of ‘invisible’ e-waste every year
Small items of electronic waste are not being recycled properly or are ending up in landfill
NewsLego struggles to find the right chemistry to replace oil-based virgin plastics
Danish toymaker commits to redouble efforts to produce more sustainable polymers for Lego pieces
ResearchStrings that draw-up brine could help supply the world with lithium
Concept takes lithium extraction into the third dimension away from cumbersome, slow pools of brine