The flagship of this trend is “Green Chemistry”, a concept that over a long period was a more academic approach. This is changing and companies are discovering Green Chemistry as a business model. Also during the years past, numerous countries across the globe adopted a more stringent chemicals' legislation, aiming to substitute or better manage the most problematic chemicals.

In particular, the EU´s Green Deal openeds a window of opportunity to further boost this approach to a highly improved chemicals management. The Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability has recognised Green Chemistry as an important milestone to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Just like the European Chemicals Industry Action Plan from 2025 considers Green Chemistry as a fundamental building block for innovation in chemicals production. And finally, the Austrian government has recognised Green Chemistry as an important milestone to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Therefore, industry needed to start introducing more sophisticated chemicals-management-schemes. This transition process is ongoing and in particular, smaller companies are challenged heavily. However, also large companies and institutions are facing significant challenges.

One of the most pressing challenges is the availability of qualified people, who are able to understand and keep track of the fast-changing regulatory environment for chemicals. Applying Green Chemistry fundamentally changes the way one manufactures and uses chemicals. Foresight, a full understanding of supply chains and the complexity of chemicals` impacts are crucial. In this context the GCCM training will also address the highly pressing social challenge of gender equality by proactively approaching women to join as participants and lecturers. This should be a valuable contribution to the professional development and positioning of women in relatively masculine domains.

Right now, typical chemicals' management focuses on how to handle available chemicals, e.g. by implementing requirements from safety-data-sheets or worker-protection-legislation. The cooperation ammong different divisions – like marketing, product-stewardship, purchase, R&D etc. – is often highly rudimental. In such an organisational environment, a Green Chemistry approach cannot develop to its full potential.

The transition to a green and sustainable chemicals'-use and the full exploitation of its opportunities requires that all relevant organisational units work together, and the company management is involved. A common strategy and cross-linked cooperation is necessary. Such cooperation needs efficient steering and this would be the role of the GCCM (“Green Chemistry Change Manager”).

Any queries? Send an email to: office@green-chemistry.academy