6.13 - Sustainable Production
What decides how sustainable a process is
- Renewability of raw materials - Processes using renewable raw materials can run indefinitely, whereas those relying on finite resources must be developed to use less of them.
- Competition for raw materials - Using raw materials that are in high demand across multiple industries puts pressure on supplies.
- By-products and waste - Reactions should produce as little waste as possible. Useful by-products can be used in other industrial processes, while hazardous waste requires safe disposal.
- Energy requirements - High temperatures and pressures consume large amounts of energy (often from finite resources). Processes that use less energy or capture exothermic heat are more sustainable.