Health & Nutrition

Health & Nutrition


Chemistry plays a key role in keeping us healthy. Over the past century, advances in chemistry have led to groundbreaking medicines and medical treatments that have eradicated once deadly diseases. Enhanced sanitation and hygiene technologies enabled by chlorine chemistry are the most effective weapon against waterborne viruses and bacteria. And chemical-based fertilizers deliver essential nutrients to soil, enhancing crop yield and providing a safe, abundant food supply to nourish the world’s growing population.

The Science Behind Sustainability

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Supporting the Trend toward Plant-Based Foods while Incorporating Circular Economy Practices

Sustainability Challenge:

Reduction in global consumption of meat products is important to help reduce the impacts of climate change, according to the United Nations.

Chemistry Solution:

Ashland's Benecel™ MX modified cellulose food product provides a plant-based alternative to meat.

Sustainability Benefit:

Plant-based foods and sustainable animal-sourced food could free up several million square kilometers of land by 2050 and cut 0.7-8.0 gigatonnes a year of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Woman and Man in Garden with Watermelon

ExxonMobil Chemical Polymers Help Protect Crops in a Variety of Agricultural Applications

Sustainability Challenge:

A growing global population needs access to a plentiful, healthy food supply.

Chemistry Solution:

Durable agriculture films made from polyethylene polymers help extend growing seasons, promote crop growth and reduce food waste and spoilage.

Sustainability Benefit:

Farmers can produce a range of crops to address global food needs.

Leg Joint

Polyethylene Orthopedic Implants Developed by Celanese Can Help People Stay Active & Healthy

Sustainability Challenge:

A growing global population needs access to a plentiful, healthy food supply.

Chemistry Solution:

Orthopedic implants developed by Celanese made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene can provide high-quality knee and hip replacements.

Sustainability Benefit:

People can continue to stay active longer, enhancing their health and wellness.


Chemistry in Action

Medical Professional

Chemistry Helps Keep Us Healthy

Today we're living healthier and longer lives - more than 30 years longer over the past century - thanks in large part to innovations made possible by the business of chemistry.

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Innovations in Food Safety

Americans enjoy one of the world's safest food and water supplies, in part due to a host of products of chemistry, from simple disinfectants such as chlorine and soap, to plastics packaging that protects foods from mold and spoilage caused by microbes.