Green Polymer Chemistry: Pipelines Toward New Products and Processes

The quest for green chemistry that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in polymer products and processes represents an opportunity for polymer scientists and engineers. Indeed, the need to promote safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, and to reduce plastic waste and energy usage is widely recognized. As a result, intense research activities are ongoing worldwide to develop green polymer products and processes. Advances have been made in many areas, including new source materials, green conversion methods, new or improved processing, and green polymer-related products. In this article, an overview is provided of green polymer chemistry, particularly emphasizing the different ways whereby new products and processes have been made. Selected examples are provided, particularly from the chapters included in this symposium volume and from the presentations given during a Green Polymer Chemistry symposium at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting in Washington, D.C. (August 2017).