GREEN CHEMISTRY FOR INDUSTRY: INNOVATIONS AND TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
On December 11 (2024), over 90 participants took part in the online training, which was a pleasant surprise for the organizers. This event confirmed again that interest in Green Chemistry is growing with each event!
The last training in 2024 was dedicated to innovations and tools for sustainable development in Green Chemistry. The trainers—Olena Tabachuk, Greenchem Business Accelerator Program Manager at the RECP Centre, and Oleksandr Khokhotva, Chemical Management Expert at the RECP Centre—shared valuable experiences and inspiring ideas.
Andrii Vorfolomeiev (RECP Centre Director) welcomed the participants and introduced the progress made in implementing the Global GreenChem Innovation and Network Program in Ukraine.
The first trainer, Oleksandr Khokhotva (chemical management expert at the RECP Center), gave a brief overview of international requirements for the circulation of chemicals, such as the REACH regulation and the RoHS directive. He also highlighted the restrictions and bans on the use of several hazardous chemicals, including persistent organic pollutants, emphasizing the importance of switching to safer alternatives. The report focuses on green chemistry approaches to the development and use of safer chemicals. These include the creation of low-toxicity materials through molecular design, the development of biodegradable products, and the use of raw materials from renewable sources, especially plants. The choice of greener solvents to optimize chemical processes and the introduction of catalytic methods in industrial chemical synthesis were also discussed. The speaker familiarized the participants with the possibilities of Life Cycle Assessment as a tool for implementing the principles of Green Chemistry. He also suggested educational platforms and resources for finding green solutions in industry. To better illustrate the material presented, the trainer shared real-life examples of the successful implementation of green chemistry principles in Ukrainian companies.
Olena Tabachuk (the second trainer) spoke about the Green Chemistry Accelerator Program, which will start in 2025. This three-month program is for start-ups seeking to introduce safe materials, innovative processes, and products based on the principles of green chemistry. The program includes training modules, mentoring sessions, funding support, professional networking, etc. The Acelerator is open to start-ups seeking to realize their ideas in the field of green chemistry, as well as to companies interested in cooperation and ready to contribute to the development of this scope in Ukraine by supporting innovation and providing the necessary resources.
Among the topics of the accelerator:
🔹 Alternatives to hazardous substances such as POPs or mercury
🔹 Green chemical processes and products
🔹 Solutions to reduce the environmental impact of chemical technologies
🔹 Recycled materials as the basis for new, safer materials
Olena also highlighted the unique benefits of the Program, including expert support, assistance in R&D, fundraising, and the opportunity to present their developments to investors and partners at the Demo Day, etc. She also mentioned the Hackathon, a special pride of the Centre, which took place on November 1-3 as part of the Sikorsky Challenge 2024 Festival. This live format brought together young innovators and professionals to create solutions that will change the future!
Green chemistry is more than a fad. It is the way to a sustainable future. And every one of us can be a part of this movement!
You can watch a video recording of the training here.
Organizers
The RECP Centre (Ukraine) in collaboration with the Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale University under GEF-funded UNIDO project “The Global GreenChem Innovation and Network Programme”.