Sustainability
News, research, opinion and comment on sustainability from Chemistry World – including sustainable technology, renewable fuels, policy and regulation.
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BusinessGreener dyes of every colour for fabric and food
Brilliant Dyes is extracting natural colours from algae to reduce energy, water and waste
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FeatureThe race to decarbonise iron and steelmaking
Steel production accounts for up to 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions, yet it remains indispensable to modern life. A wave of new technologies to decarbonise steelmaking is emerging – but the economics remain daunting
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NewsGreen chemistry co-founder John Warner on tragedy, creativity and science
Warner shares how his passion for music transitioned into a love of chemistry and how life events have shaped his professional successes
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Research40 years of patent data reveals an overreliance on hazardous solvents
AI models trained on biased datasets could perpetuate hazardous practices rather than making chemistry more sustainable
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Business300MW electrolyser construction starts off Spanish ‘hydrogen valley’
Project tests benefits of siting in renewable energy-rich country
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OpinionIneos temporarily closes UK acetyls plants
Owing to high high gas prices, the plants are uncompetitive, despite their high efficiency
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BusinessPfizer’s green chemistry team turns 25
What began as a grassroots initiative has become embedded across Pfizer’s research and manufacturing operations, helping reshape processes from Viagra to Paxlovid
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OpinionWhere does chemical recycling of plastics go from here?
US and EU plant closures highlight economic difficulties of scaling technology alongside associated policy and infrastructure
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ResearchChemical treatment slashes emissions of making hydrogen from plastic waste
Process can produce hydrogen from polyethylene and polypropylene more cleanly than from natural gas
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PodcastA warning for US science & wool’s chemical versatility
We discuss highlights from Marcia McNutt’s final address. Plus, what’s the chemistry behind the woolly sweaters keeping you warm?
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BusinessMaking South Africa’s mines more sustainable
Tighter environmental regulations are stimulating a move to greener extraction technology
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PodcastQuantum computing & a mysterious microplastic contaminant
How close are we to using quantum computers in our own labs? Plus, an unexpected source of contamination affecting microplastics research results.
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FeatureWool’s complex chemistry unlocks sustainable applications beyond textiles
Once the cornerstone of industrial wealth, wool has struggled against synthetic fibres for decades. Now, its versatile protein structure, featuring keratin helices and sulfur-rich crosslinks, is inspiring innovative applications beyond traditional textiles.
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BusinessUK government promises £350 million support for the chemicals sector
Officials say funding will help industry build resilience, remain competitive and decarbonise
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ResearchLab glove deposits drive false microplastic signatures in atmospheric pollution samples
Researchers uncover contamination pathway that’s complicating efforts to understand how much plastic is in the air
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NewsHandbook of practical advice will help chemistry departments reduce environmental impact, save money
Collection of real-life examples aims to balance environmental and financial concerns
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FeatureHow depolymerisation could enable infinite reuse of plastics
Nina Notman discovers how a type of chemical recycling – depolymerisation – could increase recycling rates, reduce plastic waste and enable a more circular economy
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NewsStringent regulations on dichloromethane are forcing US labs to rethink use of common solvent
As broad ban on DCM is finalised, US labs have either abandoned the chemical or readied themselves for exposure monitoring in November
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PodcastVanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs
Vanadium-based medicines? We discuss the 23rd element’s little-known potential in pharmaceuticals. Plus, how labs across the UK are making achievable changes to increase their sustainability.
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CareersHow chemists are making laboratories more sustainable
A collection of articles sharing tips from researchers who reduced their environmental impact with support from the RSC’s Sustainable Laboratories grants