In this section, green materials refer to materials (or material technologies) that possess characteristics with good performance, which can be manufactured, used, and recycled or disposed of, while having only a low impact on the environment as well as being kind to humans. Green materials come in a diverse range and include recyclable materials, materials free from hazardous substances, materials manufactured with low energy consumption and in clean conditions, materials that purify contaminated water and air, and materials that are very efficient and resource-saving while still offering good performance, and much more.*

Assessing the impact on the environment within the life cycle from the manufacturing to the disposal stage is important in choosing green materials. Consequently, it can be taken into consideration to create a well-balanced green product of function and efficiency. From this concept, green materials must meet the following six (6) distinctive factors:

  • They do not use scarce resources
  • They have functions to clean and conserve the environment
  • They create only low environmental impact when manufactured
  • The do not contain any hazardous substances
  • They provide high performance when used
  • They are easy to recycle


Green materials include materials which can be used for further processing such as piping and still sheet materials.



(adopted form the Eco-Products Directory 2008 of the Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo, Japan)