The researcher from Pakistan reveals ways to change the chemical industry into a circular economy
In the world, the natural resources are deteriorating, and the intensified damage of environmental issues is intensifying. The researcher from University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan with the experts from Halliburton USA, revealed the research that suggests the new ways to the chemical industry and environmental engineering are the changing models of "produce-use-throw out" into Circular Economy which focuses on the worthwhile use of resources, reduces waste, and designs products that can be recycled.
👉 View the original research
What is the circular economy? Why is it necessary?
The traditional business model causes unnecessary use of resources and generates a huge amount of waste. The research suggests the circular economy isn't just recycling, but it's from-scratch thinking, starting with picking the materials and product designs till the after-use management for making every step circular. The results are reducing the greenhouse gas release, reducing the use of new resources, and are related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, such as SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG 13 (climate action).
The key strategies that researchers suggested
- Using the sustainability materials
Supporting the recycling of used and biochemical materials, such as biocomposites, to reduce the dependence on materials from petroleum. - Designing the eco-friendly product for circulation
Tracking to all the circulation from the manufacturing to the recycling - Green Synthesis
Developing the techniques of chemical manufacturing that reduce the use of toxic substances, using the catalyst effectively, and using materials from biomass. - The digital technologies (Industry 4.0)
Such as IoT, AI, and blockchain for enhancing the effectiveness of manufacturing, tracking the process, and enhancing the transparency of the supply chain. - Industrial Symbiosis
Exchanging the resources and the energy between the industries for using the waste from one industry as a material for another industry.
Expectation results
- Reduce the CO₂ release and the water pollution
- Building the new green industry
- The ability of the business to match in the global market
- Supporting the economy's growth while maintaining the environment
The example of implementation
The research of the example in Bioplastics from the biochemical materials for reducing the plastic petroleum uses, and using the Green Catalysis in the chemical industry for reducing the toxic substances and enhancing the effectiveness of manufacturing, plus it's using the technologies' implementation, such as using IoT for tracking the real-time resource uses and blockchain for creating transparency in the supply chain.
Connecting to SDGs
Circular Economy is not just an idea, but it's a key tool to reaching the world's goals, such as
- SDG 12: Responsibility consumption and conduction
- SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
- SDG 13: Climate action
To sum up
This research is not just about the ideas suggested, but it's also giving the roadmap implementation for over the world of the chemical industry in adapting to the circular economy by emphasizing the integration of digital technology, green innovation, and cooperation between various organizations for enhancing the sustainability of the future in both economy and environment.
👉 View the original research
Q&A
- How does the circular economy differ from general recycling?
A: Circular economy is the cover for all the design, manufacturing, and using resources efficiently. It's not just recycling, but it's also extending the product life and using the waste as new materials. - Why is green chemistry necessary for industrials?
A: Because it reduces the toxic substances, reduces the energy used, and enhances the safety for the environment and humans.