Sustainable Chemicals: Advances in Innovative Processes

Petroleum, coal and natural gas constitute about 86% of resource consumption in the United States. The rest 8% comes from nuclear and 6% comes from renewable energy. Approximately 3% of total crude petroleum is currently used for the production of chemicals and plastics, the rest being used for energy and fuels. This session is aimed for a better understanding of chemicals (including plastics) which are produced for sustainability. These include (1) Innovative processes that use renewable and sustainable feedstock replacing existing non-renewable sources; (2) New chemical production processes giving alternate pathways for same chemical (3) Process modifications enhancing efficiency of existing processes; (4) Design for new sustainable products (chemicals or plastics) which replace existing products. Production (both pilot scale and industrial scale) and economic feasibility of the chemicals are important aspect of sustainable chemicals. Papers need to emphasize on the advances in process technology, highlight the synthesis of sustainable chemicals, and/or demonstrate sustainability through assessment techniques.