On September 27, 2023, a seminar titled “Green Chemistry: Innovative Approaches in the Design for New Products” was held within the framework of the Global Green Chemistry Innovation and Networking Programme (GreenChem), as a side event of the International Conference on Chemistry, Chemical Technology and Ecology marking the 125th anniversary of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
The seminar brought together nearly 190 participants — including academics, policymakers, industry representatives, and students — with a strong female presence (70%). It served as a platform to explore green chemistry as a science, a set of practical tools, and a driver of sustainable innovation.
Key speakers included:
- Tetiana Dontsova (Igor Sikorsky KPI), who opened the session by underlining the urgency of promoting green chemistry for environmental protection.
- Lars Ratjen (Yale University), who presented the GreenChem Programme’s global goals and stressed the environmental impact of traditional chemical practices.
- Oleksandr Khokhotva (RECP Centre Ukraine), who detailed green chemistry principles and their role in improving product safety and reducing persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
- Branko Dunjic (Cleaner Production Centre, Serbia), who introduced chemical leasing as an innovative model for sustainable chemical use.
- Liudmyla Vretik (Taras Shevchenko National University), who discussed integrating green chemistry into university curricula to address the lack of local expertise and educational materials.
- Dmytro Bidiuk (FoodBIOPack/REKAVA), who shared an inspiring example of green entrepreneurship through biodegradable products made from recycled coffee grounds.
The event combined theory, policy, education, and business practices, reflecting Ukraine’s growing engagement in sustainable chemical innovation and its alignment with international green chemistry trends. Interactive discussions underscored participants' high interest and the relevance of the topic across sectors.
