Green Chemistry, Eco-Friendly Chemistry, Biorefinery

Green chemistry aims at reducing the impact of synthesis and transformation processes on the environmental and human health. It is based on twelve principles which are driving innovation for energy and resource saving, limitation of solvent use and design of safe processes and non-toxic products, in response to local and global regulations (e.g. European REACH regulation, and regulations related to volatile organic compounds or to wastes). Among these innovations are the use of supercritical fluids or non-volatile organic compounds as solvents, the development of wet processes based on physical treatments (grinding, irradiation, electrostatic particle separation) and the miniaturization of analytical or synthesis processes. Biological resources play a major role in this approach. They not only offer native assemblies and models inspiring the design of process of materials in a biomimicry strategy, but also supply renewable raw materials and safe catalysts compatible with living organisms. Using biological resources is not a guarantee of eco-friendly approach, since some bio-based processes turn out water or energy consuming. Nevertheless, the application of green chemistry principles to the transformation of biomass, including organic waste, has led to the emergence of diversified sustainable production systems composing integrated biorefineries.