Nanotechnology for a competitive chemical industry

Chemical innovations will continue to play a pivotal role in the future, since they are indispensable to meeting people's basic needs (such as food, health, clothing, housing, energy, communication and nature). Nanotechnology is a key enabling technology for developing new products. Examples of this include energy-saving lighting technology, new pharmaceutical products (for example, tumour therapies), using surface coatings to conserve resources, and the development of new battery and solar cells.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) through its consultative commission for industrial changes has decided to launch an opinion that will address the possibilities, opportunities and risks of this technology for one of Europe's key sectors, the chemical industry, and illustrate the innovative potential for consumers, SMEs and large businesses. It will also discuss nanotechnology's contribution to a sustainable industrial policy, including its economic, social and environmental aspects.