Initiative GSC-21- Challenge of Chemical Technology -March 13-15, 2003

Green & Sustainable Chemistry Network (GSCN)The Society of Chemical Engineers, JapanThe Society of Polymer Science, JapanThe Chemical Society of Japan
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Japan Chemical Industry Association
The Association for the Progress of New Chemistry
Japan Association for International Chemical Information
Japan Bio-Industry Association
Chemical Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan
Japan Chemical Innovation InstituteChallenge of Chemical Technology Realizing Sustainable Society
In the twentieth century humanity constructed a civilization of mass production and mass consumption
through advanced scientific technologies. Resulting consequences caused fear of environmental problems on a
global scale. These apprehensions are represented by depletion of resources (feedstock, energy and food), global
warming, destruction of the ozone layer, endocrinological influences and accumulation of non-biodegradable
chemical substances in the ecosystem. These problems pose serious questions to the future of humanity.
Mankind has exploited large quantities of fossil resources from outside of the ecosystem, depositing the wastes
inside the ecosystem after use. A population explosion has been brought about by advanced of technology inmedical care and food production. It is now recognized that these influences on the ecological balance haveattained a global scale. Although we have recognized this fact, and started to take necessary action, the actions ofnations, consumers, industries, and academia are not necessarily synchronized.
We who work in the area of chemistry, established “Green & Sustainable Chemistry Network” (GSCN) two
years ago, and have urged the importance of “Green & Sustainable Chemistry” (GSC). This activity has beentaken up by OECD (Organization of Economic Corporation and Development) and IUPAC (International Union
of Pure and Applied Chemistry), etc., and technological development is being activated globally. Although
Japan used to hold a dominant position in the field of pollution prevention and environment control technologies,
Japan has now entered a stage of implementing a novel measures to maintain the advantage against strategic
initiatives started by many other countries.
GSC is a chemical technology to minimize the consumption of depletive resources (raw material and energy)
and the wastes discharged during manufacturing, processing, and use, and to realize the “Health and Safety for
Mankind and the Environment” through the whole life cycle including the period of use. As the goals statedabove can be realized by application and generalization of excellent technologies, it is urgently desired that thetechnology developed must be economically feasible. This can be accomplished only through combining theinnovative ideas and concepts of academe with the advanced planning and development abilities of industry.
We here propose the necessity of promoting “Initiative GSC-21”, being convinced that the practice of GSC,
that is, “Challenge of Chemical Technology”, is an urgent theme for all industry, especially the chemicalindustry, aiming at “Realization of Sustainable Society” and “Reinforcement of International Competitiveness ofJapan”.
The present proposal includes “Environment”, “Production Engineering”, “Nanotechnology & Material”,“Life Science” and “Energy”, out of eight fields which have been specified as important in the National Strategy.
They are important key industrial technologies for the twenty-first century.

1. Green & Sustainable Chemistry (GSC) is a key technology supporting the sustainable development of
human society.
Our present standard of living is completely dependent on chemical technologies to provide clothing, food,housing, materials, and medicines. At present, when the depletion of resources is accelerating, it is necessary to
shift to a new system of chemical technology as quickly as possible.
To accomplish this, it is important to realize 1) maximum utilization efficiency of depletable resources, 2)maximum utilization efficiency of energy, 3) practical technologies for reusable resources, 4) development of
manufacturing & processing technologies minimizing wastes or byproducts, 5) development of materials andproducts not having a deleterious effect on health and the environment, 6) marginal gains throughaccomplishing high performance of substances and materials and developing their application technologies, 7)
development of technologies to reduce, reuse and recycle consumer products, and 8) remediation technologies
for the environment.

2. Green & Sustainable Chemistry (GSC) is a key technology impacting on society and industry andhewing out a new age.
The chemical industry supplies essential products to maintain a clean, safe and comfortable human life, suchas food packaging materials, clothing, house-building materials and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it supplies
indispensable substances, materials and feedstock to all of industry (except the financial and service industries).
It is expected that the introduction of GSC into conventional chemical technology will bring about a qualitativechange in social life and industrial activities in the new age. GSC provides an innovative technological base so
as to harmonize human activities and economic activities with the global environment.

3. Green & Sustainable Chemistry (GSC) requires, as a national strategy, fusion of high-level
fundamental, key technology and application technology researches through collaboration between
industry and academe and among industries.
It is expected that the key technologies leading the world, can be developed through fusion of the innovativeand fundamental chemical technologies possessed by the universities and national institutes, and the advanced
application technology development possessed by chemical industries. Further, the effective implementation of
GSC will become possible through fusion of chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, agricultural science,
medical science, electrical engineering, electronics, mechanical engineering and civil engineering, etc. beyond
the disciplinary or technological boundaries., and, furthermore, through collaboration with sociology andeconomics. It is expected that a quick return of results to society will become possible through utilizing such a
new development system for key technologies. The promotion of GSC should be carried out as a national
strategy, because of the width of the area covered and the greatness of social impact. We believe firmly thatsuccessful development of the original and innovative key technologies through integrating the knowledge ofdifferent fields will contribute to the realization of sustainable society in Japan, as well as in the world.

4. Representative examples of key technology development(1) Maximum utilization efficiency of depleted raw materials and resources
Utilization efficiency of fossil resources (oil, coal, natural gas, methane hydrate, etc)
(2) Maximum utilization efficiency of energy resources
Combustion system, fuel cell, energy storage system, high-efficiency conversion system of solar energy(sunlight, thermal energy, chemical energy, wind power, tidal energy, etc), high-efficiency conversion systemof geothermal energy, etc(3) Practical utilization of renewable resources
Resource production from biomasses, food wastes, agricultural wastes, marine product wastes, livestock
wastes, human wastes, etc.
(4) Development of manufacturing and processing technology which minimizes generation of wastes andbyproducts
Highly active and selective catalysts, hydrogen peroxide oxidation, bio-mimetic reactions, high- efficiency
and high-function separation membranes, micro-reactors, membrane reactors, ionic fluids, supercriticalfluids, alternate solvents, novel reaction fields (microwave, supersonic wave, laser, etc)
(5) Human Body
Biocompatible substances and materials, substances and materials being structurally analogous to natural
products, and additives, etc(6) Accomplishment of marginal characteristics through realizing high functions and high performancesof substances and materials, and development of their application technologies
Precise control of one dimensional and three dimensional structure of polymer materials, organic/inorganic
composite materials, self-organizing materials (including self-remediable materials), structurally gradientmaterials, interface structure control technology, sensors, LCD/EL devices, DDS, etc(7) Development of technologies to reduce, reuse and recycle consumer products
Chemical recycle technology of plastics, surface characteristics of plastics (scratch resistance, abrasion
resistance, heat, light and weather resistances, etc.), super high-strength materials, super anticorrosion
materials, organic solvents, etc(8) Environment remediation technology
Bio-remediation, chemical remediation, etc

5. Important themes supporting developing key technologies of Green & Sustainable Chemistry(1) Risk Assessment Technology
In solving problems through GSC, it is important to decide a priority order of the technologies by evaluating
the risk of chemical substances and their cost performances. It is desired to promote assessment technology, inparallel with technological development for risk reduction, grasping the barriers to be overcome quantitatively
and allocating the funds strategically.
(2) Tool for Greenness Degree Assessment

It is important to evaluate the degree of improvement attained from the conventional technologies
quantitatively and objectively. By applying BAT (Best Available Technology), the degree of improvement
against the present best technology can be assessed. It is useful for managing the technological advances and isalso essential to carry out a successful technological development, effectively and efficiently.
(3) Construction of Base for Information Exchange
More effective and efficient development of GSC-technologies will become possible by exchanging
information among researchers and engineers worldwide by use of IT technology. Appropriate publication of
information to society is important so as to accelerate the feedback of developed results to society and to
amplify the improved effects, by sharing interests in the problems with people including consumers.
(4) Preparation of Educational System and Teaching Materials
To operate GSC effectively, training of professionals for GSC is urgent. It is also necessary to bring into
chemical education a way of thinking where GSC is regarded as important. Recently, elementary school pupils
and high school students are apparently less interested in the science education, and particularly, the number ofcollege students majoring chemistry is decreasing. This phenomenon makes it extremely difficult to overcome
the problems confronting this country. In the United States, the American Chemical Society has prepared
extensive teaching materials for GSC audiences, even including elementary school pupils for enlightenment. In
Japan, Green & Sustainable Chemistry Network (GSCN) published teaching materials related toenvironmental education for freshmen and sophomores for science courses in 2002. Taking this opportunity,
one should begin a full-scale preparation project of education materials including children.
(5) Introduction of Sociological and Economic Viewpoints
It is important to construct a system for introducing the fruits from GSC development smoothly into society,
For that purpose, it is important to use auxiliary measures to induce social acceptance with certainty, such as
publication of information, abolition of regulations and reform of customs preventing introduction, training ofresearchers applying GSC- developed technologies, and a system to assist in business start-ups. It is also
necessary to introduce new action plans based on a wide range of input – not only from technologists, but alsosociologists, economists, persons of NGO/NPO and consumers.

GSC-21 Initiative
Sustainable Society
Ecology Preservation
Global Environment
Global Environment

Safety/Security/Health

Construction of Resource

Resource/Energy-Recycle Type System
Resource-Recycle TypeTechnology System

Products

Process

Raw Materials

Biodegradable Substance,

Low Discharges and Low

Renewable Resources

SystemAlternate Product (Low

Waste

(Utilization Technology of(Low Environment-Load Type

Risk/Low Hazard Substance(Minimization Technology

Biomass, etc.)

Technology System, 3R

Technology, Environmentof Byproducts and Wastes,

Remediation Technology, etc.)

etc.)

Technology System, etc.)

Energy*Solar Energy (High-Efficiency Solar Cell) *Hydrocarbon (Efficient Utilization of Fossil Energy)*Hydrogen Energy (Hydrogen Production, Storage) *Utilization Technology of Natural Sources of Energy(Wind, Geothermal Heat, Tidal Current) *Storage and Transport of Energy *Utilization Technology of
Low-Grade Energy *Energy-Saving Technology

Global Environment*Global-Warming Prevention Technology *Control Technology of Ozone-Layer Depleting Chemicals*Water-Resource Environment Protection Technology *Radioactive-Waste Disposal Technology*Soil-Contamination Remediation Technology *Materials for Creating Safe & Secure Space

Resource*Non-Waste/Resource-Recycle Technology *Utilization Technology of Renewable Resource *Utilization
Technology of Deep-Sea Water *Marine-Ranch Technology *Utilization Technology of Methane-Hydrate*Time-Limited Degradable Material Technology *Highly-Controlled Biodegradable Polymer Technology*CO2 Resource-Conversion Technology (CO2 Separation Membrane)

Life Science*Bio-mimetic Technology *Development of Micro-Machines Related to Medical Treatment or Living Body
*Design Technology of Chemically-Modified Bio-Molecules and Self-Assimilation Technology

Key Technologies*Advanced Asymmetric Synthesis (100% ee) *High-efficiency/Highly-Selective Catalyst Technology*Alternate Solvent (Solventless Reaction Technology *Solid-State Reaction/Supercritical/Ionic-Fluid Media
Technology) *Separation/Recycle Technology *Chemical-Substance Safety Assessment Technology*Chemical-Substance Risk Reduction Technology *Analytical Technology of Environment-Affecting
Substances *Standardization of Environment-Affecting Substances *LCA Technology*Monitoring Technology of Inappropriate Treatment

Research Themes of GSC (1)Environment(Creating Safe, Secure, Comfortable and Health Living Environment)
Themes that require a (1) Measures Against Global Warming
solution within a short① Gas Separation Membrane Technologyterm.
② Technology for CO2 Drastic Reduction③ Technology for Controlling Ozone-Layer Depleting Substances(2) Water Resource Technology① Development of Methods for Monitoring and Management of Variationsin Water Circulation or Conditions of Water Resources② Management Technology of Water Quality(3) Remediation Technology of Soil Contamination① Bio-Methods② Chemical Methods③ Electrical-Physical Methods(4) Technological Measures Against Radioactive Wastes(5) Materials for Creating Safe and Secure Space① Development of Next Generation Structural Materials* High Reliability, High Strength/Long Life, Recycling Ability,
Environment Preservation Ability② Safe and Secure Materials in the Next Generation/Technological
Development* Biocompatible Materials* Process Technology of Low Environment-Load Type Production andNon-destructive Evaluation Technology Assuring Safe Usage③ Sickness-Free Building Material Technology
KeyTechnologies that
(1) Development of Comprehensive Assessment Methods of Risks Related torequire continuing study.
Chemical Substances.
(2) Clarification of Phenomena, Evaluation of Effects, Technological
Measures and Assessment of Adaptability to Society.
(3) Reduction and Minimization Technology of Discharges and Risk
Hazards for All Chemical Substances and Establishing Risk Management
System.
(4) Standard Substances.
(5) Environmental Organism Resources, Environment Monitoring (Total
Management Technology of Water and Air).
(6) Preparation of Intellectual Research Base (Environmental Statistics,
Database, Assessment Method of Environmental Technologies,
Information System).
(7) Promotion Measures for Utilizing the Intellectual Base.
(8) Preparation of Greenness Index (Atom Economy, E-Factor, LCA, BAT)
(9) Environmental Effect Assessment Technology of Materials, Processes
and Devices.
(10) Discharge Reduction Technology of Chemical Substances.

Research Themes of GSC (2)Themesthat requirea solution
in the shortterm.

Resource/Material and Process(Zero-Waste Type/Resource Recycle Technology/Low Environment
Load Processes)

Energy Resource(Diversification, High-Efficiency
Conversion/Transport/Storage, Energy-Saving)(1) Resource/Material(1) Solar Energy1) Carbon Resource① Efficient Utilization of Fossil Resources and Recycle
Technology② Utilization Technology of Renewable Resource* Utilization of Cellulose, Starch and Vegetable Oils
* Reduction of Environment Load by Biomass and Establishing
Utilization System* Biodegradable Plastics* Resource Utilization of Household and Industrial Wastes* Recycle Technology of Waste Polymers (Chemistry for
Converting Them into Monomers by Depolymerization)* Technology for Converting CO2 into Carbon Source③ Marine Resource* Utilization of Deep-Sea Resource (Utilization Technology ofMethane Hydrate and Deep-Sea Water, Marine Ranch, andMineral Resources Such As Manganese Nodules, etc.)
2) Hydrogen Resource① Method Utilizing Sunlight* Photolysis of Water (Wide Wavelength Active Catalysts,
Solar-resistant Materials)* Converting Solar Energy into Electric Energy and Electrolysis(Wide Wavelength Active Catalysts, Solar-resistant Materials)② High-Efficiency Green Process from Hydrocarbons* High-Efficiency, Low Cost Solar Battery
Process* Wide-Wavelength Utilizing Ultra-High
Efficiency Sunlight Power Generation* Utilization Technology ofWide-Wavelength Light Energy* Sunlight Hydrogen Production Technology(Conversion Efficiency Over 15%)(2) Inorganic Resource
Alternate Technology to Depleted Precious Metals/Nonferrous
Metals(3) Process① Engineering Utilization Technology of Biological Functions
Related to CO2 Selective Separation Membranes, etc.
② Technology for Creating Bio-Utilizing Polymers and New
Substances③ Process Technology of Soft Solutions
Reaction Medium Technology of Ionic Fluid, Water, Supercritical
Fluid, etc.
④ Solventless Process⑤ Micro-Reactor Technology⑥ ECO-Device Technology* Pb-Free Piezoelectric Element* As-Free Luminous Element* Low Power Consumption Devices⑦ Technology for Decomposing Toxic Substances so as to Make
Them Harmless⑧ Establishing Recycle Systems for
Sustained Utilization of Resources⑨ Bio-mimetic Technology Aimed at 100% efficient Synthesis⑩ Technology for Designing Recyclable Materials⑪ High-Efficiency/High Function Catalyst* Bio-Catalyst* Solid Acid
* Basic Catalyst, Oxidation (H2O2, O2)* Fixed Catalyst Technology* Environment-Receptive Catalyst⑫ Technology for Polymer Processing /Producing Structural
Members of Framework* Reactive Molding Technology* Highly-Oriented and ControlledProcessing Technology* Production technology of Alloy/Composite Materials*Adhesion/Interface/Joining/Coating Technology* Processing Technology Without Auxiliary Materials(2) Hydrocarbon① Technology for Making Fossil Energy
Resources Harmless② High-Efficiency Utilization Technology of
Fossil Energy Resources③ Efficient Transport, Storage and Utilizationof Fossil Energy Resources and Material
Related Technology for Safety④ Fuel Cell
* High-Efficiency Conversion Catalyst for
Fuel Cell(All Solid Polymer Electrolyte Type)(Solid Oxide Electrolyte Type)(3) Hydrogen Energy(4) Material Related Technology for
Diversification of Primary Energy Sources① Natural Source of Energy (Wind ,Geothermal Heat, Tidal Current)② Technology Contributing to Low Cost andHigh-Efficiency Utilization(5) Bio-Energy Technology* Ethanol Synthesis Technology from
Biomass as Raw Material(6) Storage/Transport Technology① Superconductive Cable for Long-DistancePower Transmission② Material for Storage/Conversion ofSuperconductive Electric Power③ Hydrogen Storage Material④ Chemical Energy Storage Technology⑤ High-Output, Long-Life Secondary
Battery(7) Energy-Saving① Materials Technology For Energy
Efficiency② Development of Next Generation,
High-Efficiency, Complex Power
Generation Material③ Highly Resistant Base Material (High
Temperature, High Stress, Corrosion
Resistance, Friction and Abrasion
Resistance, etc.)④ Thermoelectric Conversion Material(Development of New Material with
Superior Performance to that of SiGe
Series)⑤ Technology Related to New Refrigeration
Material⑥ Super-Light, High-Strength Material, etc.

Themes and Prospect of GSC
Global Environment

Alternate-Substance Technology to
Ozone-Layer Depleting Substances
Water Resource
Discharge Reduction Technology of CO2 due
Survey Technology for Actual State of(Water Resource)
Water Resource Quality and Utilization
to Chemical Processes.
Management System(Prevention of Global Warming)(Soil)(Creation of Safe and Secure Space)

Revolutionary Soil Remediation Technology
Sickness-Free Building Material Technology･Healthy Global Environment･Establishment of Comfortable,
Safe, Secure and Healthy Life

Systematization of Various Technologies for
Realizing Resource-Recycle Type Society

Resource/Process(Fossil resources)

Improvement of Plastic Recycle Technology(Rerenewable
resources）

Development of Bio-Degradable Plastics
Utilization of Cellulose, Starch, Vegetable Oil(Marine Resources) Marine Ranch
Marine Organism Factory(Processes for Resources
Utilization)

Utilization of Biomass(Industrial Raw Material)

Complete Study on Possibility of Methane-Hydrate
Utilization
Conclusion

Microreactor

Reaction Media Technology

Polymer Processing
Technology

High Efficiency/High
Selectivity Catalysts

Conversion of CO2
into Resource
Utilization of
Deep-Sea
R

Application of CO2 Selective
Separation Membrane,etc to
Bioengineering Field

Systematization throughDiversification of Resources, andEfficient Recycling Technology

Energy Resources(Solar Energy Storage
Technology)(Efficient Fixation of
Natural Source of Energy)High Efficiency
Solar Cell

(Hydrogen/Fossil Energy)

High-Efficiency/High Current Economically Feasible Hydrogen
Production from Fossil Resources
Density Fuel Cell

Low Grade Energy
Utilization Technology

Energy-Storage Type
Solar Cell

High Capacity Storage Cell

Locally-Distributed
Energy System

Securing Durable-Use Clean
Energy(Energy-Saving Technology)

Present

Future