Sustainable technologies for innovative materials

The chemical industry is in the process of reinventing itself to ensure its sustainability. In a global economy, the challenges are huge for balancing environmental, economic and societal aspirations that either maintain or enhance the quality of life in an affordable manner. Although today no single path exists towards sustainable materials, there are a number of emerging technologies that have the potential to contribute to the drivers of twenty-first century society. Exploring the small world of atoms and molecules has provided nanotechnology and biotechnology. Nanobiotechnology has revealed a number of opportunities and insights with the potential of rejuvenating the chemical industry. It provides 'chemistry' with a 'new face' and purpose. The more effective use of biomass and the application of molecular self-organisation principles illustrate the new directions science and technology is moving into, and contributing to a sustainable society.