This is a philosophy of chemical research and engineering. That encourage the design of products and process that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry seeks to reduce the negative impact of chemistry of chemistry on the environment by preventing the creation of waste designing synthetic methods that are less hazardous using safer solvent and reaction. Green chemistry seems to focus on industrial application and a style of chemical synthesis that is consistent with the aims of sustainable chemistry is an minimizing the hazard and increase the efficiency of any chemical choice. The pharmaceutical industry is continually seeking ways to develop medicines with less harmful side-effects and using techniques that produce less toxic waste. Scientist and designer developed a second-generation green synthesis of medicines, the active ingredient in JanuviaTM, a treatment for type 2 diabetes. This collaboration lead to an enzymatic process that reduces waste, improves yield and safety, and eliminates the need for a metal catalyst. Early research suggests that the new biocatalysts will be useful in manufacturing other drugs as well. Originally sold under the brand name Zocor®, the drug, Simvastatin, is a leading prescription for treating high cholesterol. The traditional multistep method to make this medication used large amounts of hazardous reagents and produced a large amount of toxic waste in the process. The University of California, created a synthesis using an engineered enzyme and a low-cost feedstock.
The result greatly reduces hazard and waste, is cost-effective, and meets the needs of customers. Several companies have been working to develop plastics that are made from renewable, biodegradable sources. Nature Works of Minnetonka, Minnesota, makes food containers from a polymer called poly lactic acid branded as Ingeo. The scientists at Nature Works discovered a method where microorganisms convert cornstarch into a resin that is just as strong as the rigid petroleum-based plastic currently used for containers such as water bottles. The company is working toward sourcing the raw material from agricultural waste. BASF developed a compostable polyester film that called “Ecoflex®.” They are making and marketing fully biodegradable bags, “Ecovio®,”made of this film along with cassava starch and calcium carbonate. Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, the bags completely disintegrate into water, CO2, and biomass in industrial composting systems. The bags are tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, waterproof, printable and elastic. Using these bags in the place of conventional plastic bags, kitchen and yard waste will quickly degrade in municipal composting systems.