Problem-Based Learning in Sustainable Chemistry: A Student Startup Model with PET as a Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents a problem-based learning (PBL) framework designed to enhance sustainable chemistry education through a simulated student startup model. Implemented in the MSc Sustainable Chemistry Program at UCL, the activity uses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a case study to explore circular economy principles and green chemistry strategies. Students adopt professional roles within startup teams to collaboratively design sustainable production and recycling processes. Delivered in a flipped classroom format, the model promotes active learning, career awareness, and interdisciplinary skill development. Preliminary results from two pilot cohorts showed high engagement and positive students’ feedback, with many graduates pursuing careers in sustainability-focused roles. While the sample size limits generalization, the model demonstrates strong potential for broader application. Future directions include scaling to larger cohorts, adapting the framework to laboratory-based modules, and fostering cross-institutional collaboration. This approach offers a flexible and impactful template for embedding sustainability and circularity into chemical education.

Keywords

Problem-based learning (PBL) - Sustainable chemistry - Circular economy - Student startups - Green chemistry education

Publication History

Received: 17 October 2025

Accepted after revision: 02 December 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 December 2025

Article published online:
22 December 2025

• References

• 1 THE 17 GOALS. | Sustainable Development https://sdgs.un.org/goals (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 2 Stockholm Declaration – Stockholm Declaration. https://stockholmdeclaration.org/ (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 3 Degree accreditation. https://www.rsc.org/standards-and-recognition/accreditation/degree-accreditation (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 4 Future workforce and educational pathways. https://www.rsc.org/policy-and-campaigning/discovery-and-innovation/future-workforce-and-educational-pathways (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 5 Home – Beyond Benign. https://www.beyondbenign.org/ (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 6 Cannon AS, Warner JC, Vidal JL. et al. Green Chem 2024; 26: 6983
• 7 Welcome to Your Green Chemistry Teaching & Learning Community. | Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) https://gctlc.org/ (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 8 Vaz CRS, Morais C, Pastre JC, Júnior GG. Sustainability 2004; 2025: 17
• 9 Günter T, Akkuzu N, Alpat Ş. Res Sci Technol Educ 2017; 35: 500
• 10 Krathwohl DR. Theory Pract 2002; 41: 212
• 11 Summerton L, Hurst GA, Clark JH. Curr Opin Green Sustainable Chem 2018; 13: 56
• 12 Barrows HS. New Dir Teach Learn 1996; 1996: 3
• 13 Duch BJ, Groh SE, Allen DE. The Power of Problem Based Learning. Vol. 53. 2001
• 14 Norman GR, Schmidt HG. Acad Med 1992; 67: 557
• 15 Hmelo-Silver CE. Educ Psychol Rev 2004; 16: 235
• 16 Yew EHJ, Goh K. Health Profess Educ 2016; 2: 75
• 17 Mendo-Lázaro S, León-del-Barco B, Felipe-Castaño E, Polo-del-Río M-I, Iglesias-Gallego D. Front Psychol 2018; 9: 1536
• 18 Boud D, Lee A. Stud High Educ 2005; 30: 501
• 19 Prichard JS, Stratford RJ, Bizo LA. Learn Instr 2006; 16: 256
• 20 Shultz GV, Li Y. J Chem Educ 2016; 93: 413
• 21 Costantino L, Barlocco D. J Chem Educ 2019; 96: 888
• 22 Wellhöfer L, Lühken A. J Chem Educ 2022; 99: 864
• 23 Williams DP, Woodward JR, Symons SL, Davies DL. Chem Educ Res Pract 2010; 11: 33
• 24 Williams DP. J Chem Educ 1925; 2017: 94
• 25 Bellová R, Melicherčíková D, Tomčík P. J Chem Educ 2018; 95: 1548
• 26 Cáceres-Jensen L, Rodríguez-Becerra J, Jorquera-Moreno B. et al. J Chem Educ 2021; 98: 1571
• 27 Costa AM, Escaja N, Fité C, González M, Madurga S, Fuguet E. J Chem Educ 2023; 100: 597
• 28 MSc Sustainable Chemistry. | Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/chemistry/study/postgraduate-taught/msc-sustainable-chemistry (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 29 Core Concepts in Sustainable Chemistry (CHEM0087). | UCL Module Catalogue – UCL – University College London https://www.ucl.ac.uk/module-catalogue/modules/core-concepts-in-sustainable-chemistry-CHEM0087 (accessed October 8, 2025).
• 30 Barnard E, Rubio Arias JJ, Thielemans W. Green Chem 2021; 23: 3765
• 31 Jia Z, Gao L, Qin L, Yin J. RSC Sustainability 2023; 1: 2135
• 32 Muringayil Joseph T, Azat S, Ahmadi Z. et al. Case Stud Chem Environ Eng 2024; 9: 100673
• 33 El Darai T, Ter-Halle A, Blanzat M. et al. Green Chem 2024; 26: 6857
• 34 Clark J, Deswarte F, Clark J, Deswarte F. eds. Introduction to Chemicals from Biomass. Vol. 9781118714485 Wiley; 2015
• 35 Weaver GC, Sturtevant HG. J Chem Educ 2015; 92: 1437
• 36 Mooring SR, Mitchell CE, Burrows NL. J Chem Educ 1972; 2016: 93
• 37 Henning BG. Daedalus 2015; 144: 90
• 38 Delidovich I, Palkovits R. ChemSusChem 2016; 9: 547
• 39 Mika LT, Cséfalvay E, Németh Á. Chem Rev 2018; 118: 505
• 40 Delidovich I. Curr Opin Green Sustainable Chem 2021; 27: 100414
• 41 Cui Y, Deng C, Fan L, Qiu Y, Zhao L. Green Chem 2023; 25: 5836
• 42 Sanders JH, Cunniffe J, Carrejo E. et al. Adv Sustainable Syst 2024; 8: 2400074
• 43 Shi L, Liu P, Tan Z. et al. Angew Chem, Int Ed 2023; 62: e202218390
• 44 Tournier V, Duquesne S, Guillamot F. et al. Chem Rev 2023; 123: 5612
• 45 Yoshida S, Hiraga K, Takehana T. et al. Science 1979; 2016 (351) 1196