Analysis and strategic management of nanoproducts with regard to their sustainability potential; Nano-Sustainability Check

The aim of the project was to determine and evaluate the existing innovation potential of nanotechnological applications in cooperation with the respective companies and other stakeholders with a view to sustainable development, using three specific products. This investigation was to be carried out in the form of a systematically structured integrated approach evaluating opportunities and risks. The Oeko-Institute started off with a survey of the industries in search for concrete applications with sustainability potential (SWOT analysis). Then, in close consultation with the Oeko-Institute, a data collection was conducted by the cooperating enterprises. On the basis of this data, the Oeko-Institut evaluated the investigated 3 products/applications and developed recommendations for to strategic optimization. The findings of this investigation were presented in stakeholder expert talks and made available to the public via leaflets and a web portal (http://www.oeko.de/uploads/oeko/oekodoc/1138/2011-020-de.pdf).