GreenChemForCE is a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing sustainable chemical practices through three main work packages: • WP1 focuses on sustainable management of plastics by analyzing current state and outlining new strategies, and developing circular technologies for some of the key plastic components; • WP2 targets CO₂ emission reduction and utilization in the chemical industry. It aims to analyze the current state of liner and circular CO2 streams. We also outline new strategies and focus on implementation of some of them; • WP3 streamlines fine chemical production by evaluating current methods, developing new strategies. We focus on reducing critical materials and solvents, and implementing advanced process technologies. The project unites academic institutions, industrial partners, and organizations from Central Europe, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to green chemistry innovation.

Shifting from linear to circular use of plastics is essential for reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing environmental pollution. Unlike the traditional linear model—where plastics are produced, used, and discarded—a circular approach focuses on keeping materials in use through strategies like recycling, reuse, and redesign. This not only lessens the demand for raw materials but also prevents the formation of plastic waste. Within this output, we aim to analyze the current state of plastic use and waste management, and outline potential strategies to support and accelerate the transition toward a circular plastic economy.

Within the GreenChemForCE project, experts from the University of Ljubljana and AquafilSLO, in collaboration with the Association of Chemical Industry of the Czech Republic, are focusing on the depolymerization of plastic waste such as nylon carpets and discarded fishing nets. This process breaks down the polymers into their original monomeric building block, caprolactam, which can then be purified and reused. Within this output, we focus on the optimization of the process. The solution is a “zero waste” nylon recycling process for Central Europe. We are looking into the way to introduce the Econyl® based products into the Czech market and beyond, contributing to a more sustainable plastic value chain by closing the loop on nylon production and reducing dependence on fossil-based raw materials.

The emission of carbon dioxide is a major concern in the chemical industry. In this output, we will carry out an analysis of the current state of CO₂ production across the involved countries. This analysis will serve as a basis for proposing suitable strategies for chemical production with a more favorable carbon footprint.

Practically, we approach the problem from several directions. In the first one, our experts from University of Ljubljana, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) and Slovenian company Belinka Perkemija investigate an effective utilitation of CO2. We focus on ultrasound-enhanced carbonization methods, as well as on use of biotechnologies that can effectively employ organisms for CO2 fixation, while producing valuable molecules. Second pilar involves the use of renewable feedstock for production of valuable molecules applicable in pharmaceutical industry. Such approach relies on the use of feedstock derived from biomass. Biomass is primarily produced by plants by utilizing carbon dioxide and it is a source of some platform chemicals, such as Cyrene®. In this direction, Charles University colaborates with Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, located in Hungary.

We analyze current challenges in fine chemical production and industrial R&D, focusing on reducing waste and resource use. Together with academic and industrial partners, we identify environmental weak spots and regional issues, and we explore ways to improve recycling and recovery of critical raw materials, in particulat rare transition metals, and promote solvent-free, eco-friendly processes. Led by Charles University, this work results in action plans that are adopted by industrial partners and serve as a guideline for a cleaner, more sustainable chemical industry in Central Europe.

GreenChemForCE is streamlining how fine chemicals are made by cutting out hazardous solvents and recovering valuable materials. Our pilot activities focus on two key areas: • Solvent managment Swap out toxic organic solvents for water-based or bio-derived alternatives (e.g., micellar systems, biorenewable solvents, such as Cyrene®) to perform common chemical reactions or purification of the pharmaceutical ingredients. We are also exploring the use of ballmilling in the extraction of textile dyes produced by microorganisms, which could significantly reduce the amount of solvent needed for dye recovery. Use ball milling to grind biomass helps breaking the cells open mechanically, so we no longer need harmful solvents for extraction. • Catalyst Recovery & Reuse Capture and recycle rare-metal catalysts (like palladium) from API production waste streams—testing different recovery methods and analytical tracking to enable true circularity. These solutions are being tested first at lab scale and will move to pilot trials, with the goal of providing ready-to-use protocols that reduce waste and environmental impact in the fine-chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This activity involves collaboration of Charles University, Eötvös Loránd University on the academic, and Zentiva k.s., VTL GmbH, The Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, and associated partner EGIS Pharmaceuticals Plc on the industrial side.

This activity focuses on smart catalysis in the production of fine chemicals, especially pharmaceuticals or their intermediates. Often, catalytic reactions require the use or rare transition metals, such as palladium, rhodium, or others. Reactions are usually carried out in organic solvents, which leads to accumulation of waste. We aim to tackle these problems by developing of smart catalysis to make the processes more efficient and sustainable. What we are doing: • We focus on optimizing catalyst use: we are developing catalytic reactions with an emhasis on minimizing the use of precious metal catalysts. This will allow us to prepare selected active pharmaceutical ingredients or their intermediates in more sustainable way. • We use biocatalysis to enhance the sustainability. Biocatalysis opens possibilities for greener sysnthesis: it allows us to avoid the use of harmful reagents and organic solvents, it does not require high energy input. We apply this tool for constructing bonds that are crutial in many active pharmaceutical ingridients. Our industrial partners will obtain a powerful tool to construct these bonds in a sustainable way.