The design stage
The routes and conditions used in the chemicals industry will always be chosen to maximize economic efficiency.
The choice of synthetic route or processes to be undertaken will also consider safety and environmental issues.
When designing the practical route required to produce a marketable product, there are several key considerations.
- availability and cost of feedstockRaw materials or chemicals that are purchased to be used in processes to produce profitable chemicals.
- sustainability of feedstocks
- size of yield
- energy requirements
- formation of side products that can be recycled, used in the process or sold to increase profit
Environmental considerations
Processes in the chemical industry need to consider the environmental impact of the reactions they are undertaking. Chemical companies must seek to minimise waste by recycling where possible while avoiding either using or producing toxic chemicals.
While waste is often unavoidable, producing waste that can decompose or biodegrade naturally is preferable.