J. CHRIS SLOOTWEG
Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Research Priority Area Sustainable Chemistry,
University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract

This paper explores a smarter approach to chemistry through the integration of Green Chemistry, Circular Chemistry, and Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD). By uniting these frameworks, the chemical industry can enhance resource efficiency, optimize processes, and ensure product safety across their entire lifecycle. This integrated strategy aims to create a sustainable and resilient chemical sector, driving innovation and supporting a transition to a greener, more circular economy.

Introduction
The chemical industry is at a crossroads, faced with the dual challenges of sustaining its pivotal role in society and reducing its environmental impact. Historically, the industry has operated under a “take-make-dispose” model, relying heavily on finite resources and contributing significantly to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Today, there is an urgent need to pivot towards more sustainable practices, especially as societal demands for environmental responsibility grow. While Green Chemistry (1, 2), Circular Chemistry (3), and Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) (4-6) have emerged as frameworks to guide this transition, their true potential lies in their integration. A smarter approach to chemistry that blends these principles could be the key to achieving a sustainable, circular, and safe chemical industry (7).

The Need for a Smarter Approach
Green Chemistry, Circular Chemistry, and SSbD are individually powerful tools for advancing sustainability, but when applied in isolation, they often fall short of delivering the systemic change required to address the industry’s environme ...