Green chemistry: The next driver of U.S. innovation, technology leaders say

Survey finds strong support for green chemistry among consumers and R&D and technology leaders

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A majority of U.S. research and technology leaders say their companies plan to invest more in green chemistry to spur innovation, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge, new Morning Consult research commissioned by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation shows.

The national survey finds broad support across industry for green chemistry with many saying they expect to increase investment in the approach as a source of long-term economic advantage, believing it will improve efficiency and drive growth.

Green chemistry involves the redesign chemical products and processes to improve performance, while reducing harm and waste. It results in more efficient manufacturing and can lead to innovative and safer products across industries.

The findings are detailed in Green chemistry in America 2026: Industry views on the opportunity for high-performance molecules and processes, based on a national survey of 300 U.S. R&D and technology leaders conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Morning Consult also surveyed a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 U.S. adults.

Key findings

• Investment momentum: 71% of R&D and technology leaders say their firms are poised to invest in green chemistry to gain a competitive edge and improve operational efficiency.
• Innovation advantage: 76% of R&D and technology leaders say green chemistry fuels innovation and long-term economic advantage.
• Jobs and growth: 78% of R&D and technology leaders say green chemistry can help create new jobs and industries in the U.S. economy.
• Cost reduction: 76% of R&D and technology leaders say green chemistry can reduce costs over time.
• Broad support: 75% of R&D and technology leaders and 73% of consumers support green chemistry research. Seventy-two percent of consumers support green chemistry investment.
• Awareness gap: 79% of R&D and technology leaders are familiar with green chemistry, compared with 19% of consumers; support rises sharply once people learn more about it.

“Companies adopting green chemistry are making money by doing it and using it to drive innovation. The principles of green chemistry make companies more profitable. It’s about invention, discovery, and improving chemical design,” said Paul Anastas, Ph.D., program director for the Moore Foundation’s Green Chemistry Initiative. “Old products and processes that create unintended results like waste, hazard, and pollution are simply flawed design. We can and must do better if we want to stay in the forefront of industrial innovation. The U.S. should be leading this effort, and the survey confirms there is a lot of support, but we need more investment and research.”

About the survey

Morning Consult conducted the poll Nov. 13-27, 2025, among 3,007 U.S. adults and 300 U.S. R&D and technology leaders. Interviews were conducted online. Results from the adult sample have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Results from the R&D and technology leader sample have a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points.

To read the report and related materials, visit Moore.org.

About the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Gordon and Betty Moore established the foundation to create positive outcomes for future generations. In pursuit of that vision, the foundation advances scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area.