CHEMISTRY WITHOUT HARM: A NEW ERA OF GREEN SOLUTIONS
On June 18, 2025, the webinar “GREEN SOLVENTS: HOW TO CHOOSE AND IMPLEMENT IN PRACTICE” took place as part of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project “Global Green Chemistry Innovation and Network Program (GreenChem),” supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Fifty-five participants in a webinar dedicated to green solvents and their use in industry learned about the applications of solvents in scientific and manufacturing activities, as well as the hazards associated with traditional solvents.
Oleksandr Khokhotva, a chemical management expert at the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Centre, emphasized the need to transition toward safer and greener solvents to enhance production safety and minimize environmental impact. The strategies discussed included avoiding solvent use whenever possible, switching to less toxic alternatives, and utilizing solvents derived from renewable feedstocks, such as biomass.
Participants explored the definition of a green solvent and identified key parameters for selecting safer alternatives. The webinar also covered the properties, benefits, and limitations of the most promising green solvents. Tools and selection frameworks — including those integrating artificial intelligence — were compared and recommended for researchers and developers in the chemical industry. A structured, step-by-step solvent selection strategy was shared to support safer and more sustainable processes, thereby reducing environmental risks.
The event demonstrated that the transition to green solvents is not only a necessity for the environment but also an opportunity for the chemical industry to become safer, more efficient, and more innovative. Collaborative efforts among scientists, industry professionals, government, and international partners pave the way for a sustainable future — one where chemistry serves both people and the planet.
Fewer hazards. Greater potential.
Choose green today — ensure safer production tomorrow.
What would your slogan for solvent selection be?
The webinar recording is now available on the YouTube channel of the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Centre (click here).
Organizers
The RECP Centre (Ukraine) in collaboration with the Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering at Yale University, under the GEF-funded UNIDO project, The Global GreenChem Innovation and Network Programme.
