Abstract & Overview
This Reprint arises from the growing need to innovate the chemical industrial sector, which remains one of the most energy-intensive and environmentally impactful industries. The main goal is to enhance its efficiency, in view of the sustainability targets that will be pursued globally in the coming decades. The main key points of intervention are the optimization of resource use as well as the achievement of significant energy savings, which can be gained by reducing the requirements of electricity or fuels, thanks to technological innovations, or by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy and material sources. In such a framework, the production of chemicals from renewable feedstocks, such as biomass, or the adoption of alternative fuels are becoming attractive topics of research. Answers to questions about the most recent advancements, emerging technologies, and novel strategies to be employed for energy-efficient chemical production are gathered in a multifaceted perspective. Contributions cover both procedural and environmental issues, ranging from technical improvements and innovations to achieve energy savings and decreased impacts, by means of renewable feedstocks as well as renewable energy, to innovative production pathways based on the biorefinery concept.