The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green chemistry as “the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances.” Coined in 1998, the term green chemistry comprises 12 principles.
Today, the contributions of green chemistry to the sustainability and innovation of the flavor and fragrance industry are being realized. According to a Navigant Research report, green chemistry will save industries $65.5 billion by 2020. In addition, the green chemistry market is forecast to grow to $98.5 billion during the same time period.
Recently, Ahmet Baydar, senior vice president, research and development, and Michael Popplewell, vice president, corporate research and development (both of International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.) sat down to discuss green chemistry’s impact on the flavor and fragrance industry. What follows is a Q&A based on their conversation.