The First International Forum on Nanotechnologies

Evonik regards nanotechnology as a key technology of considerable commercial importance. It is set to strengthen the competitiveness of companies in all major sectors of industry in the future. As an interface technology, it is a source of innovation with enormous potential to create value in many technical applications. Evonik sees major opportunities for the use of innovative nanomaterials in environment-friendly energy generation, conversion and storage, in surface refinement, mobile electronics, catalysts and production processes that help utilize resources more efficiently, and in high performance ceramic, plastic and rubber components and cosmetics. As a creative industrial group, Evonik is very well positioned to utilize the opportunities of this emerging technology. Evonik has decades of experience of producing and handling fine particles and has systematically expanded its strong global position in the supply of nanomaterials in recent years.

Evonik is one of the world’s leading suppliers of products based on fine particles. For example they are used as pigments in a wide range of applications including paints, inks and plastics. Another fine-particle product manufactured by Evonik is fumed silica. It increases the mechanical strength of silicones, improves the free-flow properties of powders, optimizes the flow behavior and scratch resistance of coatings and is used as a polishing agent for microchips. Nanostructured oxides and other fine-particle products manufactured by Evonik give end products new and improved properties that directly benefit consumers.

Examples include high-quality photos printed on home printers, transparent sunscreen with a high UV protection factor and durable auto tires with a good grip and low rolling resistance.

Products based on nanotechnology can only become firmly established if they are accepted by society and their benefits are recognized. Since responsible action is one of Evonik´s key corporate values, Evonik Industries only produces and markets nanomaterials if state-of-the-art research shows they can be manufactured and applied in a safe and environmentally compatible manner. Maximum protection of people and the environment is ensured by producing minute particles in closed systems. Additional technical precautions, including the use of filters, exhaust systems and personal protective equipment, are taken where necessary. Regular measurement of particulates in the workplace and routine medical check-ups ensure that these measures are effective.

Evonik encourages discussion about the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology. It endeavors to make the pros and cons transparent and to show the general public how this technology can be beneficial. To accompany the development of nanotechnology, Evonik engages in extensive dialogue with stakeholders and is involved in research projects like “NanoCare” funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, which is investigating the health aspects of nanomaterials. Representatives of the Evonik Group are also taking part in the German government’s “Nano Dialogue”, where experts from industry, science, authorities and trade associations discuss the opportunities offered by nanotechnology and ways of avoiding the possible risks. To help answer open questions and improve test methods, employees from Evonik are involved in international working groups at the European Center for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC), the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

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