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Responsible Nano Code - Australia

 

Nanotechnologies present commercial opportunities for many industry sectors from medicines to computing, from chemicals to food and consumer products.  Many of these new products also have the potential for important social benefits – supply of cheap clean water, portable renewable energy or the replacement of hazardous chemicals - which could have a major impact on health and quality of life in both developed and developing countries.  However, at the same time there is uncertainty over the potential environmental, health and safety (EHS) risks of some nanoscale materials, particularly manufactured nanoparticles and nanotubes.

 

At present there is limited evidence to determine whether the current regulatory frameworks are sufficient to ensure the responsible development of the technology and its many applications, and a lack of guidance around how these frameworks should be applied to nanomaterials.

 

Australian Nano Business Forum (ANBF) and Nanotechnology Victoria (NanoVic) were invited by the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) in the to assist in the development of an International Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanotechnology (Responsible NanoCode) as part of a global initiative.  The aim is to develop a voluntary, principles-based Code, which is appropriate for adoption by organisations of all sizes involved in the research, development, manufacturing and retailing of products using nanotechnologies.  The Code is designed to provide guidance on best practice for organisations during the transitional period while the appropriate national and international regulatory frameworks are being evaluated and developed, and to complement any existing regulation.

 

To review the Draft Consultation Code, click here.

 

The Founding Partners of the Responsible NanoCode are NIA, Insight Investment, the Royal Society and Nanotech KTN.  The US partner is the Woodrow Wilson International Centre and the UK partner is the UK Social Investment Forum. For further information on Responsible NanoCode see www.responsiblenanocode.org.

 

The Federal Government provided financial support for a workshop on 26 December through the Australian Office of Nanotechnology (AON), Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR); and the State Government of Victoria through the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD).

 

Enquiries: info@nanocodeaustralia.com

 

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