Implementation of green chemistry principles in plastic manufacturing industry
Project description
The aim of the project is to contribute to preventing the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the environment by strengthening the application of green chemistry initiatives in the industrial sector. A specially designed set of activities aims to develop a platform for collaboration between educational institutions and manufacturing companies, ensuring access to international experience, practical examples, and new achievements in this field.
Selected industries will have the opportunity to apply green chemistry principles by implementing the proposed technical guidelines and tools within their technological processes, which will ultimately enable the replacement of specific pollutants.
The specific objectives include:
- Strengthening the capacity of industry representatives and higher education institutions on the principles of green chemistry and best practices in the EU;
- Establishing a collaboration cluster between higher education institutions and industries;
- Successful implementation of green chemistry plans in industries, with the aim of increasing efficiency by at least 10% in each selected company, in terms of annual reductions in material flows (use of chemicals, raw materials, energy, and/or waste flows) compared to the baseline;
- Identifying green chemistry opportunities to support the development of a circular economy and the role of green chemistry within an economy based on a circular business model.
The project will be supported by ongoing communication activities focused on:
- Raising public awareness about green chemistry, standards, and best practices for the sustainable use of resources through the concept of green chemistry, and the investment opportunities for sustainable planning and business;
- Engaging all relevant stakeholders in capacity-building activities and establishing strong relationships for future large-scale interventions and investments in the industrial sector.
Type of services provided
The project involves the implementation of the following activities:
- Identification of companies that use Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), and the development of methodologies and selection criteria for their participation in project activities;
- Development and implementation of a capacity-building program aimed at industries and future educators;
- Development of technical tools and guidelines for introducing green chemistry into the plastic production process;
- Conducting environmental audits in 20 manufacturing plants and selecting facilities for practical interventions;
- Preparation of an implementation plan for green chemistry principles in selected industries;
- Monitoring the implementation of green chemistry measures (initial, mid-term, and final stages);
- Establishment of a green chemistry cluster between industries and higher education institutions;
- Public awareness activities, communication, and project visibility efforts;
- Publication of success stories and best practices from companies that have implemented green chemistry principles through the project;
- A list of companies that have expressed interest in future collaboration;
- Presentation of successful stories and benefits of implementing green chemistry principles in industry;
- Organization of seminars on green chemistry and chemical safety in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar;
- Workshops for NGOs and media on “Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Industrial and Waste Management Sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Their Impact on Health and the Environment”;
- Public awareness campaign;
- Summer school for students „Green Chemistry for Greener Future“