Nano and sustainable materials: testing, commercialization and regulatory roundup
The last few weeks have seen a number of announcements related to nano and sustainable materials testing, regulation and commercialization. These are some of the top stories that caught our eyes:
Trialing green cement
First Graphene will kick off one of the world’s largest green cement trials in June in the UK. Graphene-enhanced cement can offset CO2. This trial, supported by a grant from Innovate UK, aims to demonstrate that it also provides significant mechanical benefits, in real-world applications, even at low loading levels.
Contributing to the circular economy in the Netherlands
UBQ Materials announced a new production facility in the Netherlands which will convert more than 100,000 metric tons of waste annually into new bio-based thermoplastic.
Protection for fruit trees
Sappi announced another novel application for their Micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose: protecting fruit tree buds from frost damage.
Microbial nanocellulose for textiles
Modern Synthesis announced the opening of their “micro-factory” in London, UK. Their bacterial fermentation of sugar from agricultural waste creates nanocellulose-based nonwoven fabrics destined for the fashion industry.
Designing sustainable drinking straws
A new study by Tetra Pak and Treesearch, Sweden, will use X-ray scattering imaging to gain insights into fibre nanostructure to inform the design of food-safe, recyclable and durable drinking straws.
Regulatory safety assessment of nanoparticles in the food chain
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a review of the data and method requirements for testing nanomaterials and highlighted case studies that could contribute to a safe-by-design approach to new sustainable nanomaterials development.
The final word on nano-hydroxyapatite
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety released their final opinion on nano-hydroxyapatite in oral cosmetic products. Rod-shaped particles of the naturally occurring calcium phosphate mineral are considered safe up to specified levels in toothpaste and mouthwash. The opinion specifically omits needle-like forms and uses in spray products.
Harmonizing nanomaterials testing
A new publication from NanoHarmony provided an overview of the information requirements across different European Union (EU) regulatory areas and highlights issues around nanomaterial dispersion stability and dosing in toxicity testing, degradation and transformation of organic nanomaterials, and a need for methods to measure cellular reactivity of nanomaterials.
New methods in Europe
The European Commission approved over 100 test methods for the safety testing of chemicals under the REACH Regulation. Many of these are New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) not involving whole animal testing.
Successes and challenges in biomanufacturing
A new report from the National Academies, based on their October 2022 workshop, proves insights from stakeholders across industry, academia, and government on the use of living organisms and biological components in manufacturing processes.