Grüne Chemie – Zukunft:Chemie 2024 Discusses the Future of Green Chemistry

Grüne Chemie – Zukunft:Chemie 2024 Discusses the Future of Green Chemistry Caitlin 21. January 2025

Grüne Chemie – Zukunft:Chemie 2024 Discusses the Future of Green Chemistry

On 11 November 2024, the event “Grüne Chemie – Zukunft:Chemie” took place in the ceremonial hall of the Federal Ministry for Climate Action in Vienna. It brought together experts from research, industry, education, and policy to discuss the future of green chemistry.

After the welcome by Thomas Jakl (BMK) and introduction by Sabine Cladrowa (Federal Environment Agency), the event began with a dynamic moderation, which already offered the first networking opportunities for the participants. Flash news from Martin Wimmer (BMK) and Barbara Wetzer (Federal Environment Agency) provided exciting insights into current developments and offered the ideal introduction to the thematic depth of the day.

One highlight was the presentation on SusChem-AT, the national technology platform for sustainable chemistry with strong European connections. Bettina Mihalyi-Schneider (SusChem-AT) and Andreas Falk (BNN) illustrated the added value of networking research, industry and regulation at an international level and especially highlighted also project IRISS as the international ecosystem for accelerating the transition to Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design materials, products and processes. Clemens Wolf (BNN, SusChem-AT) presented practical examples of how the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) concept can contribute to the further development and implementation of green technologies. This topic underlines the central role of regulations in the transformation of the chemical industry.

In addition to presentations on topics such as CO₂ conversion and defossilization, the event featured interactive formats like pitch talks and a marketplace that provided opportunities for discussion and networking. A panel discussion emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches in driving the industry’s transition. The participants were able to take away concrete ideas and new contacts. The final summary by Sabine Cladrowa (Federal Environment Agency) and Thomas Jakl (BMK) concluded the event with a clear focus on future steps. The platform continues to serve as a key catalyst for sustainable innovation.