Getting Nanotech Right

Partnership with DuPont to ensure the responsible development of nanotechnology

Posted: 11-Oct-2005; Updated: 17-Jul-2007

DuPont and Environmental Defense have agreed to collaborate on a framework for the responsible development, production, use and disposal of nano-scale materials. Nanomaterials are 1 to 100 nanometers in at least one dimension and exhibit novel properties due to their small size. These materials hold great promise for new applications in materials, energy, medicine and other fields, but more needs to be known about their potential risks.

The intent of this framework is to define a systematic and disciplined process that can be used to identify, manage and reduce potential health, safety and environmental risks of nano-scale materials across all lifecycle stages. This framework will then be pilot-tested on specific nano-scale materials or applications of commercial interest to DuPont. 

This agreement will begin to put into action the words of Chad Holliday, DuPont Chairman and CEO, and Environmental Defense President Fred Krupp in the June 14, 2005 edition of the Wall Street Journal: “An early and open examination of the potential risks of a new product or technology is not just good common sense -- it’s good business strategy.” (Read the partnership agreement [PDF].)

DuPont and Environmental Defense have worked together on several projects over the last 20 years, including the Partnership for Climate Action, where DuPont cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% while saving more than $2 billion in avoided costs.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 400,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. Environmental Defense's work to develop this partnership was supported in part by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, a partnership of The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Related info

• Partnership agreement and project description
• For more on Environmental Defense's nanotechnology work, go to www.environmentaldefense.org/go/nano