High-pressure and supercritical CO2 (scCO(2)) have the potential to be employed as alternatives to organic solvents for processing polymeric materials. High-pressure and scCO(2) offer advantages for polymer processing that include, inter cilia, plasticisation, phase separation in blends, crystal modification, and swelling of polymers. These effects can be useful for selectively treating polymeric samples for a range of applications. This opinion paper will discuss the importance of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, in attenutated total reflection (ATR) mode, to aid the understanding of polymeric processing based on their unique molecular vibrations. This information is integral for developing more efficient processing pathways which will mean that the full potential of high-pressure and scCO(2) processing can be realised. The current state-of-the-art will be reported that will include an overview of key recent advances utilising FTIR spectroscopy. Challenges and future areas of research will be outlined where new and exciting opportunities using this "green" processing technology will be predicted.