GREEN CHEMISTRY: PRINCIPLES AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Sulaiman Luqman Olaitan1*, Ibraheem Kehinde Sherifat2, Ahinful Isaac Anku3, Ochuele Dominic Agida4, Moses Adondua Abah4, Micheal Abimbola Oladosu4

1.Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, 2. Department of Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, 3. Department of Physical Science, Eastern New Mexico University, United States of America, 4. Research Hub Nexus Institute, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author:  Research Hub Nexus Institute, Nigeria, Email: m.abah@fuwukari.edu.ng, Phone: +2347064945026.

Citation: Sulaiman Luqman Olaitan et,al. (2026). Green Chemistry: Principles and Industrial Applications. Eco Science Journals. 2026 3 (7). 

Copyrights © 2026, Sulaiman Luqman Olaitan. This article is licensed under the Creative Common Attribution-NonCommercial-4.0-international-License-(CCBY-NC).

Abstract: Green Chemistry seeks to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances. Developed in the 1990s, it is guided by 12 principles including waste prevention, atom economy, safer solvents, and energy efficiency. With growing concerns over pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, industries face pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Green Chemistry offers a framework to align industrial production with environmental and health goals without compromising economic viability or product performance. This review aimed at reviewing the principles of Green Chemistry and evaluate their industrial applications for sustainability, safety, and economic benefits. Findings from this study revealed that Green Chemistry principles are now applied across pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, agriculture, and materials industries. Key applications include solvent-free reactions, biocatalysis, and use of renewable feedstock's like biomass. Pharmaceutical companies use continuous flow processes and safer solvents to cut waste by up to 80%. The chemical industry employs catalysis to improve atom economy and reduce energy use. Biodegradable polymers and non-toxic pesticides demonstrate market viability. Life cycle assessments show 20–50% reductions in emissions and hazardous waste. Barriers remain: high R&D costs, scale-up challenges, and regulatory inertia. Despite this, adoption is growing due to cost savings and ESG pressures. Green Chemistry provides practical tools to decouple industrial growth from environmental harm. Its principles are no longer theoretical; they drive process optimization, regulatory compliance, and brand value. The most successful industrial applications integrate green design early, use renewable inputs, and prioritize energy efficiency. Challenges include initial capital investment and workforce training. Policy incentives and consumer demand are accelerating adoption. In conclusion, Green Chemistry is essential for sustainable manufacturing. Widespread implementation can reduce pollution, conserve resources, and maintain competitiveness. Future progress depends on innovation in catalysis, bio-based materials, and circular economy models.

Keywords: Green chemistry, Sustainable manufacturing, Catalysis, Renewable feedstocks, Waste minimization, and Industrial applications.