A Review Of The Twelve Principles Of Green Chemistry

The concept of prevention is not merely the first principle of green chemistry; it is the most foundational mindset that shapes every laboratory decision. Adopting this theme requires preparation and design—planning processes and products from the outset to minimize waste and inherent hazards, moving beyond standard protocols with thoughtful foresight.

A key issue arising throughout the twelve principles is the critical role of solvents. Solvents often account for 50–80% of the mass in a typical batch chemical operation and roughly 75% of the cumulative life cycle environmental impacts. In peptide API production, this can mean up to 15 metric tons of solvent per kilogram of product, contributing to billions in waste disposal costs annually. This makes solvent replacement, for instance, by adopting aqueous-based media in cell therapy, a vital strategy for achieving a greener, more sustainable laboratory. Explore this complete series to spark new thinking and take your first steps toward embracing greener chemistry.