ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology is frequently described as an enabling technology and a fundamental innovation, that is, it is expected to lead to numerous innovative developments in the most diverse elds of technology and areas of application in society and the marketplace. Nanotechnology is regarded as a substantial element for environmental relief. As a result, the following questions arise: How large are the possible relief effects on the environment by nanotechnological techniques? This contribution gives a current overview of existing studies of published life-cycle assessments (LCAs) of the manufacture of nanoparticles and nanocomponents and describe a new method of prospective technological assessment of nanotechnological processes in early innovation phases. The focus is placed on the potential environmental relief provided by nanotechnology-based products and processes.