Green Chemistry’s Role in Advancing US Chemical Innovation

Green chemistry—defined as the intentional design of chemical products and processes to reduce or eliminate hazardous substances and waste while improving efficiency—is gaining momentum as a strategic enabler of safer, more productive chemical manufacturing. Historically confined to research environments, green chemistry principles are increasingly viewed as essential to modernizing chemical design and industrial practice (1).

Chemical innovation underpins numerous sectors of the US economy, from bio/pharmaceuticals and materials science to agrochemicals and specialty chemicals. Yet much of the foundational chemistry used in large-scale manufacturing today originates from methods developed in the early- to mid-20th century.

These legacy approaches are often inefficient, resource-intensive, and suboptimal from both environmental and economic perspectives. Green chemistry reframes molecular design and process engineering to harness higher performance with improved safety and reduced waste production (1).

What does industry say about economic impact?

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Green chemistry in America 2026: Industry views on the opportunity for high-performance molecules and processes survey—based on responses from 300 US R&D and technology leaders—indicates broad industry recognition of green chemistry as an economic driver (1).

The survey’s findings include:

• Approximately three-quarters of respondents anticipate that investment in green chemistry will improve operational efficiency, drive innovation, and strengthen competitiveness.
• Approximately 78% of industry leaders believe green chemistry can help create new jobs and foster emerging industries in the US economy.
• Approximately 76% view green chemistry as a mechanism for reducing costs over time by enhancing process efficiency and reducing waste burdens.

These trends suggest that, beyond regulatory or sustainability drivers, green chemistry principles are being embraced for their potential to yield tangible business value across sectors, including the bio/pharmaceutical supply chain (2).

How does adoption influence competitiveness?

The foundation’s survey data also underscore green chemistry’s perceived relevance to workforce and market positioning. Roughly three-quarters of respondents agree that greener practices are strategically important to future competitiveness, yet only a minority judge their company as a leader in adoption (1).

Leaders point to potential benefits, such as improved reputation, attraction of research talent, and greater alignment with emergent regulatory and market expectations. A separate survey component indicates that consumer awareness of companies’ green chemistry investment correlates with more favorable perceptions of those organizations (3).

This alignment of business performance with sustainability signals is notable for sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, for which process efficiencies, reduced hazardous waste, and public trust are critical. Although the green chemistry field has historically been more prominent in basic and specialty chemical manufacturing, its principles increasingly intersect with bio/pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing, including greener solvents, enzyme catalysts, and waste-minimization strategies (4).

What challenges remain across industrial adoption?

Despite growing interest, widespread implementation of green chemistry practices remains uneven. Key barriers identified in industry surveys include budget constraints, workforce skill gaps, and complexities in navigating regulatory frameworks (1).

Addressing these challenges will require sustained engagement across public, private, and academic sectors. Investment in targeted R&D and infrastructure, along with workforce training that integrates green chemistry principles, can accelerate adoption.

In the bio/pharmaceutical context, collaborations between industry and institutions that fund green chemistry research—such as the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Green Chemistry Institute (GCI), which offers grants and educational resources focused on sustainability in chemical and pharmaceutical applications—are particularly relevant (4).

For example, ACS GCI’s Pharmaceutical Roundtable grants support early-stage research in greener manufacturing pathways, aligning academic innovation with industrial needs (4).

How can companies integrate green chemistry into practice?

Green chemistry represents more than a conceptual framework; it is increasingly positioned as a practical, innovation-oriented strategy with potential economic and environmental benefits.

Survey data indicate that industry leaders see value in green chemistry for driving efficiency, creating jobs, and enhancing competitiveness. Yet the pace of adoption varies, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts in research funding, workforce development, and regulatory adaptation (1,4).

For sectors such as biopharmaceuticals—where process optimization and regulatory compliance are paramount—green chemistry offers a path to reduce waste, improve safety, and support sustainable manufacturing strategies that align with broader industry innovation goals (4).

References

1. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Green Chemistry: Unlocking the Next American Industrial Boom. Press Release. Jan. 21, 2026.
2. EPA. Benefits of Green Chemistry. EPA.gov. Last updated April 14, 2025 (accessed Jan. 23, 2026).
3. Golden, J.; Handfield, R.; Daystar, J.; et al. Green Chemistry: A Strong Driver of Innovation, Growth, and Business Opportunity. Industry Report. October 2021.
4. Colberg, J.; Hii, K. K. (M.); Koenig, S. G. Importance of Green and Sustainable Chemistry in the Chemical Industry. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2022, 10 (26), 8239–8241. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c03306