CIRI FRAME/Sustainable Chemistry Research Group

The Green Chemistry Lab specialises in the development of innovative methods and technologies for transforming renewable resources and waste into high added-value products and materials, minimising the impact on the environment and human health. The laboratory is noteworthy for its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, analysing the full life cycle of substances and materials — from the selection of raw materials and product design right through to end-of-life treatment.

In line with the principles of sustainable chemistry and the circular economy, the research focuses on the utilisation of terrestrial and aquatic biomass, agricultural by-products and plastic waste, in order to limit the consumption of non-renewable resources. The strategies adopted favour alternative solvents – such as bio-based solvents and deep eutectic solvents (DES) – and low-impact methods, such as catalysis and hybrid bio-(thermo)chemical techniques.

The products developed in the laboratory are conceived to be ‘benign by design‘, in other words, designed to replace hazardous substances and avoid harmful effects on ecosystems and health, ensuring sustainability at every stage of their life cycle.