Introduction of Environmental Materials and Relevant Technologies

Abstract

This chapter describes the importance of building a sustainable society to develop materials related to low-carbon development and to put into practical use recycling technologies using waste materials as raw materials, since people life growth must be achieved while maintaining a balance between society, the economy, and the environment. For this purpose, economic growth is desired while balancing the construction of a recycling-oriented social structure with the conservation of nature. Specifically, the effective utilization of biomass as a carbon-neutral raw material and environmental remediation and conversion to raw materials are effective measures. Against this current background, this chapter also presents a discussion of the recent status of environmental materials and related technologies, especially upcycling technologies, toward building a sustainable society. Three subsections present the following: (1) Biomass waste reuse and biomass functional materials, (2) Green chemical refineries, and (3) Sustainable green technologies and processes using advanced materials.