Green Chemistry

If we desire a more sustainable society, one in which our goods and services are designed to regenerate life rather than jeopardize it, designing products to be safer from the start by eliminating toxic chemicals through the use of green chemistry and engineering is vital. 

Green chemistry is the application of 12 principles in the design, manufacture and use of chemicals and chemical products, as defined by Paul Anastas and John Warner. The principles are focused on reducing hazards, increasing efficiency and transitioning to renewable feedstocks. 

Through the application of these principles, products become safer for employees and customers alike, helping companies achieve sustainability goals that strengthen their competitiveness and make them more innovative. 

OEC’s Role in Advancing Green Chemistry

Our vision is that Oregon will become a national leader in the development and application of green chemistry. By nurturing research, education and entrepreneurship in the fields of green chemistry and engineering, we will have the building blocks to design products and processes that protect the public and our environment from hazardous materials. At the same time we will be promoting innovation and a cleaner, more resilient economy.

Several states including California and Michigan have already developed plans to support green chemistry; we’re working with thought leaders and strategic partners to promote action here in Oregon. 

Fostering Collaboration

In 2009, OEC convened the Oregon Green Chemistry Advisory Group, bringing together leaders from academia, industry and agencies to examine green chemistry opportunities in Oregon. Advancing Green Chemistry in Oregon includes a series of recommendations to help advance green chemistry in our state and maintain its place as a leader in fostering more sustainable businesses. See the report here.

Taking Action

OEC is now taking action on these recommendations. We’ve hosted recent events promoting green chemistry and sustainability to build awareness among different types of organizations and spur collaboration. See Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing in Oregon and Growing Green Chemistry in Oregon for more information. 

Moving forward, OEC will be partnering with manufacturers, trade organizations and others to build awareness about green chemistry innovation and benefits.

OEC will continue to work at multiple levels to support and promote the use of green chemistry in Oregon and the region by helping to formulate smart public policy, strengthen demand for safer products, and connect interested businesses with the information they need to add value to their products and services. We've got a good start on this last one--see our Green Chemistry Innovation Resource Hub for more info.

Abundant Opportunities for Oregon

Oregon is uniquely positioned to be a leader in green chemistry. A recent report by Portland State University highlights how the state can demonstrate leadership. Several Oregon companies in the apparel, building materials and cleaning products industries have already demonstrated how green chemistry can be used to reduce toxic chemicals in manufacturing and realize financial benefits from doing so. 

Research, Development and Education

We have universities, including the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, housing some of the nation’s leading experts in green chemistry and related fields. Researchers are already helping businesses in Oregon meet some of their sustainability-related challenges through the use of green chemistry. Educators are also providing leadership in the development and dissemination of green chemistry education materials.

Moving Forward

Additional resources are needed to expand our R&D capacity in green chemistry and build public-private partnerships so we can continue to innovate in ways that improve the environmental and economic performance of Oregon businesses. 

Safer products and processes through the use of green chemistry and engineering should be part of our state innovation strategy. Innovation tools are needed and green chemistry should be integrated into Oregon’s existing economic development and toxics reduction programs.