Conventional Chemistry vs Green Chemistry: Two Approaches, One Shared Requirement
Conventional chemistry: an effective response to urgent needs
Conventional chemistry emerged in the 20th century to address major public health and industrial challenges quickly. Large-scale production, effective disinfection, longer shelf life—these objectives shaped modern industry.
The numbers speak for themselves. Between 1950 and 2000, global chemical production increased fiftyfold, according to the OECD. Disinfectants and preservatives dramatically reduced foodborne diseases. Petroleum-based polymers and surfactants improved cleaning efficiency by up to 90%.
But this efficiency comes at a cost that we understand better today. Around 80% of chemicals currently on the market still rely on fossil resources. Persistent organic compounds found in water systems originate, for 60%, from standard chemical formulations. Certain solvents and biocides pose real risks to users when adequate protection is not in place.
This is not about condemning these practices, but about acknowledging that they responded to a different context, with different priorities and levels of knowledge.
Green chemistry: rethinking impact from the design stage
Green chemistry, first formalized in 1998 by Anastas and Warner, is built on principles such as waste prevention, the design of safer products, and the use of renewable raw materials. It does not reject chemistry—it rethinks it.
Even before a product is developed, three key questions must be addressed:
- Where do the raw materials come from?
- What happens to the product after use?
- What impact does it have on user health and ecosystems?
Concrete results are already visible. In 2024, 40% of new molecules developed by the European chemical industry use bio-based raw materials. Enzymatic processes reduce water consumption by 20 to 40% and lower washing temperatures by up to 30°C, while maintaining equivalent microbiological performance. Rapidly biodegradable formulations significantly reduce the load on wastewater treatment plants.ation.
In the food industry: performance with restraint
For the agri-food sector, hygiene remains an absolute priority. At the same time, environmental constraints are becoming unavoidable: 80% of European food processing plants have set targets to reduce water and energy consumption by 2030.
Enzymatic and bio-based solutions address this dual challenge. They remain highly effective against organic soils such as proteins, fats, and starch. They reduce chlorine discharges into wastewater by up to 90%. They also integrate seamlessly into closed-loop systems, whether for Cleaning in Place (CIP) or Open Plant Cleaning (OPC).
The result? Hygiene standards that are maintained—or even enhanced—while significantly reducing the environmental footprint.
In food service: safety and quality of working life
In both collective and commercial food service, green chemistry also improves day-to-day working conditions for teams. Enzymatic formulations reduce the volatility of irritating compounds, improving indoor air quality. Our dermatological analyses confirm that 70% of users experience fewer skin irritations when using pH-neutral, biodegradable products.
More concentrated and often multi-purpose, these products also simplify stock management and reduce handling.
The limits of green chemistry
Green chemistry is not a universal solution. Certain very broad-spectrum or fast-acting disinfectants remain difficult to replace. Enzymes, by nature highly targeted, do not work on all surfaces or under all extreme conditions.
However, research is progressing rapidly. Hundreds of European projects funded by Horizon Europe are currently working on safer and more sustainable alternatives to chemicals of concern. This is illustrated in particular by the safe and sustainable by design projects highlighted by the European Commission in a dedicated CORDIS Results Pack on safe and sustainable chemicals and materials..
The Realco approach: doing better, not more
At Realco, our approach is built on enzymatic chemistry and a focus on measurable impact. Four pillars guide our work:
- Targeted performance: proven effectiveness where it truly matters, without unnecessary excess.
- Measurable reduction: less water, less energy, fewer emissions—with quantified results.
- Enhanced safety: products that are safer for everyday professional use.
- Transparency: clear communication on the optimal conditions for using our solutions.
Conclusion
Conventional chemistry and green chemistry are not in opposition—they represent two stages of the same evolution. The first laid the foundations of modern industry. The second adjusts the trajectory toward a form of sustainability that is now essential.
The transition will not happen through abrupt disruption, but through clarity and consistency. At Realco, “doing better” starts with “doing differently,” through choices proven by data and tangible results—not just by words.
Because in the end, the requirement remains the same: protect health, ensure hygiene, and preserve our resources. We simply know today that it can be done differently.
