Hyderabad: The usage of green chemicals in the pharmaceutical industry is gaining importance as it is less hazardous to human health, the environment and less toxic to organisations, said Metlapalli Srinivasu, vice president of EHS and ESG at Suven Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Presenting a paper on Green Chemistry - Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward, at a programme on Environmental Stewardship for Industry Managers, organised by Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI)’s Environment Committee on Thursday, Srinivasu said that Green Chemistry is the buzz word across the pharmaceutical industry as it aims to design and produce cost-competitive chemical products and processes that attain the highest level of pollution-prevention hierarchy by reducing pollution at its source.

The programme, supported by JETL-Jeedimetla Effluent Treatment Ltd, covered subjects such as Sustainability, Green Chemistry, Greenbelt and Ecosystem Services, Water Neutrality, Sustainable Procurement, E-Waste, and Water Pinch Analysis.

The Environment Committee Chair G Bala Subramanyam said that environment related profession is one of the most sought after now. The investment that goes into sustainability should not be considered as an expenditure, as it is recognition for contributing towards the environment, he added.