A suite of tools for safe-and-sustainable-by-design advanced materials from the EU projects DIAGONAL, HARMLESS and SUNSHINE

Abstract

Multi-component nanomaterials (MCNM) and High Aspect Ratio Nanomaterials (HARN) are advanced materials that present innovation potential but also challenge the innovation by Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles. In 2021 to 2025, three EU-funded sister projects developed and implemented SSbD concepts in digital tools that are applicable to MCNM and HARNs despite their respective unique properties. The projects jointly established a tiered suite of tools that serves both industrial, SME (small and medium enterprise) and regulatory stakeholders. The tools for innovators are tiered by StageGate phases (projects SUNSHINE and HARMLESS) or organized in transversal topics (project DIAGONAL). Also the tools for regulatory preparedness comprise a range from simple to elaborate approaches. Key achievements include the alignment of tools for innovators and for regulators via a high overlap of the questions asked, and the systematic tiering of targeted input that is required. The suite of tools thus supports the OECD's Safe and Sustainable Innovation Approach (SSIA). With specific value to SME innovators, tools were developed that lower the previously perceived hurdles to implementation of SSbD concepts in product development. The suite of tools is demonstrated on three MCNM or HARN case studies provided by partners from industry and SMEs, specifically anti-stick coatings for baking trays (SiC@TiO₂), automotive catalysts (doped oxide perovskites) and flexible electronics (Ag nanowires). However, the cases also shed a light on remaining challenges in the SSbD concept that are not solved by tools alone, most notably the uncertainty of decision-support at early stages and the complexity of data gathering at later stages, which also implies a need of increasing data exchange among value chain actors while allowing actors to generate and protect intellectual property.