Green Nanotechnology II—Industrial Perspectives
Wednesday, April 19th at 10:30 a.m.
5th Floor Conference Room of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
How “Green” is Nanotechnology? A Corporate Perspective
WASHINGTON—Nanotechnology has the potential to be doubly “green.” It promises to give companies the ability to design new products that are made from more environmentally-friendly materials, and that use less energy and generate less waste throughout the production lifecycle. Green nanotechnology could also earn businesses hefty profits.
Already, lighter, stronger materials enabled by nanotechnology are making a difference in fuel and material use. Electronic data storage has been increased thousands of times because of nanomaterials, and lighting is more efficient because of nanoscaled materials. As part of its GreenNano initiative to advance the application of green chemistry and green engineering principles to nanotechnology, the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies will host a program focused on corporate perspectives of green nanotechnology. The session explored industry’s role in preventing negative environmental impacts from nanotechnologies, the economics of being green, and whether green nanotechnology offers companies a competitive advantage. Speakers also examined market and regulatory obstacles and incentives.
