Why sustainable chemistry is the foundation of every sustainability strategy

The term “sustainable chemistry” has gained attention, often highlighted as being critically important. Yet while it’s frequently mentioned, clear explanations of what it truly means — and why it matters — are sometimes lacking. 

At Enhesa, we believe it’s essential to articulate why sustainable chemistry isn’t just important — but the very foundation of broader sustainability initiatives, driving impactful change and creating both challenges and opportunities for companies.  

Understanding sustainable chemistry

Sustainable chemistry has its roots in the concept of ‘green chemistry’, although it has evolved further. The term ‘green chemistry’ itself was first introduced in 1998, in Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice by authors Paul Anastas and John Warner. They defined it as “the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances”. Their 12 principles of green chemistry include waste prevention, safer chemicals, and safer synthesis methods. 

By the early 2020s, it became clear that a consensus was also needed around sustainable chemistry. A working group led by Joel Tickner from the University of Massachusetts Lowell developed a definition that has since been widely accepted:  

Why sustainable chemistry matters

It’s important to clear: every company is, in some way, a chemical company. Any company that manufactures or markets products has chemicals somewhere in its supply chain. Service companies rely on chemicals in their everyday work too, from soap to fuel for travel. And each one of us, as individuals, uses products made using chemicals daily. 

The non-stick liner of the pan you used to cook last night? Made from chemicals. The plastic bottle or carton containing the milk for your morning coffee? Contains chemicals. Your reusable plastic cup? The mouse, keyboard and computer on your desk? Your desk itself? All contain chemicals. 

Chemicals are the foundation of how we live and work. 

Given their ubiquity, understanding how to use and manage chemicals in a sustainable way is critical. We cannot make our businesses or organizations truly sustainable without talking about sustainable chemistry. 

It’s also important to appreciate that chemistry isn’t just a problem, but also part of the solution as an enabler of change. We need to reduce the use of chemicals that are known to be hazardous — but chemistry also enables the development of alternatives that are not only less harmful, but potentially beneficial.  

This links to a broader idea: sustainability isn’t just about compliance — it can create competitive advantages too.  

A deeper exploration of sustainable chemistry

The sustainable chemistry working group didn’t stop at a definition. They also outlined five “criteria categories” of sustainable chemistry — each essential for chemicals, products, processes and materials to be considered sustainable, and each non-negotiable:

1.Transparency

Health and safety data to be disclosed in accessible formats for individuals, employees, communities, policy-makers, and the public. Disclosures should include evidence-based and sourced verification of any claims, including sustainability and health and safety. Ideally, it should be possible to trace chemicals and materials across their lifecycle. 

2. Equity and justice

Products, materials or services to be designed and delivered in a way that avoids harm. Any harm done during the lifecycle of the chemical product or process should be remediated, and workers and vulnerable or marginalized groups should be protected — recognition that these groups are especially at risk of harm. Design should avoid creating new problems or shifting harm across the value chain, support local economies, and ensure that the product is accessible and affordable to all. 

3. Health and safety impacts

Products to be made using chemicals without hazards of any kind across its lifecycle and shouldn’t result in persistent or bioaccumulative releases. 

4. Climate and ecosystem impacts

Products, materials, or services to use renewable and non-toxic chemicals and have no negative effects on climate and biodiversity, including on habitats and resources. Harmful releases to the environment, including through distribution, should also be avoided, and energy use and greenhouse gas emissions minimized across the lifecycle. 

5. Circularity

Products, materials or services specifically designed to have a lifetime appropriate to their use, and to support safe reuse and non-toxic recycling. 

Building ambition in sustainable chemistry

The working group acknowledged that these criteria are ambitious, in particular, the challenge of removing all harm, and that there are significant technical, financial and regulatory barriers to implementation. However, they felt that it was important to be ambitious. 

More importantly, any challenge can also be seen as an opportunity. Companies that invest in sustainable chemistry are likely to benefit from easier regulatory compliance, stronger consumer trust, and long-term cost savings through better efficiency and resource use. They’ll also have a much stronger foundation on which to build wider sustainability initiatives and innovate to improve products and services.  

As sustainability becomes ever more important, early investment in sustainable chemistry offers returns for both business and society.