RESEARCH AGENDA FOR WASTE MINIMIZATION

Because of the large quantities of materials and energy used by the chemical industry, significant opportunities are available for waste reduction. Waste reduction techniques include improvements in process selectivity and/or conversion, the ability to operate at lower temperatures and/or pressures, processes requiring fewer steps, feedstocks with fewer inherent byproducts, more efficient equipment design, products and/or catalysts with longer lives, more efficient unit operations, innovative process integration, avoidance of heat degradation of reaction products, new uses for otherwise valueless by-products, and elimination of leaks and fugitive emissions. The implementation of waste minimization alternatives in the chemical industry were categorized in terms of near- (0-5 years implementation), mid- (5-10 years), and long-term impacts (10+ years).