In a combined effort, the 9 principles of Green Radiopharmaceutical Sciences were formulated. 

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1. Waste Planning and Prevention

Plan processes to minimize waste at all stages of radionuclide production and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing. Prioritize prevention over treatment or cleanup.

2. Recycle and Recover Radioactive Stocks

Develop methods to extract useful radioisotopes and recover materials like solvents and reagents under cGMP principles. Define minimum recovery thresholds early and promote life-cycle systems for sustainability.

3. Design for Energy Efficiency

Use energy-efficient synthesizers, irradiators, and renewable-powered systems. Favor low-heat or alternative energy methods and optimize processes to reduce energy use without compromising safety.

4. Radiopharmaceutical Efficient Usage

Plan studies to fully use available inventory. Produce and transport only necessary amounts, following the “as low as reasonably achievable” principle.

5. Cleaner Irradiation Technologies

Adopt technologies that minimize long-lived radioactive byproducts. Gradually replace nuclear fission with accelerator- or fusion-based methods.

6. Processes and Documentation Harmonization

Standardize documentation and share process details to save time and resources. Apply FAIR principles and use energy-optimized online resources.

7. Smart Research and Development

Leverage high-throughput equipment, modern statistical tools, and early automation for efficient process development and control.

8. Sustainable Manufacturing Equipment

Assess consumables’ impact and prioritize sustainable systems in this order: kits → fixed/modular tubing → cassette/hybrid setups.

9. Safer Reagents and Solvents

Use the least hazardous, biocompatible reagents. Minimize quantities, replace hazardous chemicals with greener alternatives, and reduce solvent use whenever possible.