Ripe for disruption: reimagining the role of green chemistry in a circular economy

Abstract

This article takes a look at some of the broader themes of value creation that have evolved as part of a circular economy, and illustrates why chemists should (as well as exemplifying how they could) get involved. We begin by outlining five main lessons we have learned since the Ellen MacArthur Foundation was set up in 2010, and then proceed to talk about two concrete examples where the circular economy offers a vision of a system with positive socio-economic and environmental outcomes: mobility and plastics. In each case, we discuss the role chemistry, in particular green chemistry, can play – anchored in the realization that chemists play a central role in guiding society towards its material future.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• plastics
• automation
• recycling
• mobility