Advancing Sustainability in the Chemical Sector: The Role of Green and Sustainable Chemistry Initiatives

Chemicals are essential for contemporary existence, and the advancement of the chemical industry has contributed to improving the quality of life, which serves as a measure of a country's level of industrialisation. The concept of green chemistry is defined as the application of a specific set of principles aimed at minimizing or eliminating the use and production of harmful compounds in the design, production, and use of chemical products. The purpose is to be more environmentally friendly, and the principles of green chemistry are to be utilized as a method to achieve this goal. The advancements made in reducing the environmental impact of the chemical industry have mostly focused on critical aspects related to chemical production and sustainability. These aspects include sustainable energy and resources, the implementation of a circular economy, the evaluation of cleaner manufacturing methods and sustainable processes, and the promotion of innovation in chemical products. In this article, the green and sustainable chemistry initiatives in the chemical industry are briefly discussed, considering the stakeholders in the field and mentioning the relevant initiatives in the chemical industry in Türkiye.