U.S. Companies Bet Big on Green Chemistry for Innovation

American companies are racing toward a cleaner, more profitable future by redesigning chemistry itself.

A new national survey reveals that 71% of U.S. research and technology leaders plan to invest in green chemistry to gain a competitive edge. The Morning Consult poll, commissioned by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, shows businesses betting on smarter molecular design as their next growth engine.

Green chemistry isn't about doing less harm. It's about doing chemistry better from the start by creating products and processes that perform at higher levels while naturally producing less waste and safer outcomes.

The business case is convincing leaders across industries. Three quarters of R&D executives say green chemistry reduces costs over time, while 76% believe it drives long-term economic advantage through innovation.

"Companies adopting green chemistry are making money by doing it and using it to drive innovation," said Paul Anastas, program director for the Moore Foundation's Green Chemistry Initiative. "The principles of green chemistry make companies more profitable."

The survey of 300 technology leaders found 78% believe this approach will create new jobs and industries in the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, 73% of consumers support green chemistry research once they learn about it, though only 19% are currently familiar with the concept compared to 79% of industry leaders.

The Ripple Effect

This shift represents more than environmental progress. When companies redesign chemical processes to eliminate waste, they often discover breakthrough innovations that open entirely new markets.

Better chemistry means more efficient manufacturing, which translates to American companies staying competitive on the global stage. The ripple extends to workers too, as 78% of leaders expect green chemistry investments to generate jobs across new and existing industries.

Anastas argues that traditional products creating unintended waste, hazards, and pollution are simply examples of flawed design. "We can and must do better if we want to stay in the forefront of industrial innovation," he said.

The survey suggests America has the support needed to lead this transformation, spanning both boardrooms and living rooms. What remains is translating that enthusiasm into the research investments that will keep U.S. companies at the innovation frontier.

American industry is discovering that the most profitable path forward might also be the cleanest one.