The ACS GCI Natural Polymers Consortium (NPC) is a group committed to exploring the utilization of natural polymers to accelerate the development of more sustainable functional materials. Launched in 2024 as a partnership between the American Chemical Öйú365betÖÐÎĹÙÍø Green Chemistry Institute and industry leaders, the Consortium envisions a future where natural polymers innovations can sustainably meet modern human needs.
The Founding Members of the ACS GCI NPC are:Ìý
Our newest members:Ìý
If you are interested in joining the Natural Polymers Consortium, you can view membership eligibility below or request an invitation to join.
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Vision
Natural polymers innovations can sustainably meet modern human needs.
Mission
Catalyze the sustainable development, production, and application of natural polymers in material science, and the foundational science that drives the acceptance and inclusion in policy and regulatory processes.�
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Strategic Priorities
The NPC is a collaboration poised to accelerate innovation in this crucial area through our strategic priorities:
- Facilitate communication, discussion, and collaborationÌýbetween scientists across industries, government, NGOs, and academiaÌý
- Promote and support researchÌýin transformative natural polymers materials and enable technologies that accelerate progress in the field
- Develop metrics and toolsÌýto ​​evaluate the life cycle impacts of natural polymers to enable future product designs.
- Advocate for recognition and support in policy for these innovative and sustainable polymers to enable the material transition.
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Natural Polymers—A Sustainable Alternative to PlasticÌý
Plastic, the material of the 20th century, has revolutionized our lives in less than 100 years, but has led to environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. Natural polymers have the potential to provide an alternative, more sustainable solution to plastic. They are abundant and are part of a circular carbon loop that can mitigate negative impact to the Earth. However, their use as commercially viable materials is impeded by performance, processability, and high cost compared to synthetic polymers. From a societal need, plastic waste is a recognized detriment to the global community for generations unless bold solutions are undertaken today.Ìý
We were recently invited by the NSF-EFRI to pitch a program topic on natural polymers as alternative materials for plastics, signaling interest from the US federal government as a potential area of fundamental engineering research and education. Our current activities include:
Writing a white paper outlining research challenges and opportunities in natural polymers
Organizing symposia at ACS National Meetings and the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference
Collaborating with the ACS Convergent Chemistry Communities on Natural Polymers for multi-division ACS programmingÌýÌý
