Work

The Fine Chemical Industry, 2000–2024

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The fine chemical industry manufactures products that are used by many major industrial sectors, including food and beverage, cosmetic, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, electronic, paper, automotive, painting and water industries. The industry saw significant changes in the first quarter of the current century, including the uptake of new “greener” production technology, digitalization, and changes in structure and geographical distribution. Despite its relevance and significant annual growth rates lasting since decades, knowledge of this industry amid chemistry and chemical engineering scholars, including graduate and undergraduate students, is often limited. Providing an updated critical insight on the industry and the main changes occurred in the last 25 years, this study identifies the technology and policy drivers of change. The conclusions of the study may inform further practice-oriented education on the industrial aspects of the chemical enterprise.

Source: Organic Process Research & Development

DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.5c00010

Authors: Rosaria Ciriminna, Cristina Della Pina, Rafael Luque, Mario Pagliaro

Institutions: Institute of Nanostructured Materials, University of Milan, Universidad Espíritu Santo

Language: English

Topic: Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funder: Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca