In the battle against climate change, the role of chemistry and the chemical industry is often overlooked. As India accelerates its industrial growth, it must embrace sustainable biomanufacturing and green chemistry not just to meet environmental commitments but to reinforce economic competitiveness.
Sustainable chemistry is not merely about reducing pollution. It is about designing processes that inherently avoid hazardous substances. Kopperi's study presented how biobased chemicals can be developed with minimal environmental impact. For a country like India, grappling with rising environmental pressures and an expanding industrial base, such innovation is crucial.
Despite its promise, the adoption of biobased chemicals faces barriers including high upfront costs, limited awareness, and resistance from legacy industries. However, smart policy interventions such as green subsidies, carbon pricing, and mandatory life cycle assessment reporting could accelerate the transition.
