Green chemistry (environmental chemistry or chemistry for sustainable development) is an emerging field with the objective of developing products or industrial processes in an ecologically friendly way. The adoption of this new field of activity in recent years is due to a successful effort in reconciling the interests of chemical innovation with the goals of environmental sustainability and with those of industrial and economic viability.
This article presents general considerations about green chemistry, including historical concepts and 12 principles related to the subject. It also analyzes two paint industry products under the principles of green chemistry: the production of propylene from glycerin produced from biodiesel plants; and the production of butanol from ABE fermentation using sugars from lignocellulosic sources. We apply some of the 12 principles of green chemistry to these processes, since they are relevant for the paint industry. Finally, we draw some conclusions and suggestions for further studies.