A new survey shows US research and technology leaders are betting big on green chemistry, seeing it as a pathway to innovation, cost savings, and competitive advantage. 

“The principles of green chemistry make companies more profitable. It’s about invention, discovery, and improving chemical design,” said Paul Anastas, program director for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Green Chemistry Initiative. 

According to research by Morning Consult commissioned by the Moore Foundation, a majority of industry leaders plan to increase investment in green chemistry—a field focused on redesigning chemical products and processes to boost performance while reducing harm and waste. 

The national survey, which polled 300 US R&D and technology leaders, found broad support for green chemistry across the industry: 

1. Investment momentum: 71% of leaders say their firms are poised to invest in green chemistry to gain a competitive edge and improve efficiency. 

2. Innovation advantage: 76% see it as a driver of long-term economic growth. 

3. Jobs and growth: 78% believe it can create new jobs and industries in the U.S. economy. 

4. Cost reduction: 76% say it can reduce costs over time. 

5. Broad support: 75% of leaders—and 73% of consumers—support green chemistry research, with 72% of consumers backing investment in the field. 

Despite strong industry backing, public awareness remains limited. While 79% of R&D leaders are familiar with green chemistry, only 19% of consumers know about it. Support rises sharply once people learn more about the approach. 

“Companies adopting green chemistry are making money by doing it and using it to drive innovation,” Anastas said.  

“Old products and processes that create unintended results like waste, hazard, and pollution are simply flawed design. We can and must do better if we want to stay in the forefront of industrial innovation. The US should be leading this effort, and the survey confirms there is a lot of support, but we need more investment and research.”