NanoSafePack Development of a Best Practices …...NanoSafePack Development of a Best Practices...

NanoSafePack

Development of a Best Practices guide

for the Safe Handling and Use of

Nanoparticles in Packaging Industries

José Luis Romero- Tecni Plasper, S.L

Project Coordinator

NanoSafePack is a Research for SME Associations project funded by the European Union´s Seventh Framework Programme managed by REA-Reseach Executive Agencyhttp://ec.europa.eu/research/rea (FP7/2007 – 2013) under Grant Agreement n. 286362

Index

A. Project Description

B. Progress so far

C. Further Research Needs

D. Conclusion: summary of main points

• General Information

• Concept and Objectives

• Members of the consortium and roles

NanoSafePack is a Research for SME Associations project funded by the European Union´s Seventh Framework Programme managed by REA-Reseach ExecutiveAgency http://ec.europa.eu/research/rea (FP7/2007 – 2013) under Grant Agreement n. 286362


NanoSafePackDevelopment of a Best Practices guide for the Safe Handling

and Use of Nanoparticles in Packaging Industries


General Information

Grant Agreement nº: 286362

Project Title: Development of a Best Practices guide for the SafeHandling and Use of Nanoparticles in Packaging Industries

Theme: SME-2011-2 – Research for SME Associations

Call Identifier: Capacities - Research for SME Associations

Bottom up approach call – Open Theme

Official starting date: 1rst of December 2011Duration of the project: 36 monthsEnding date: 30th of November 2014

Project Coordinator: Jose Luis Romero – Tecni-Plasper





Short Summary

The NanoSafePack project is focused in the development of a best practices guide toensure the safety use of nanofillers in the packaging industry by means of the followingactivities:

1. Selection / Characterization of NP Panel

3. Exposure assessment to nanoparticles released (industrial use and service life)

2. Toxicity assessment (NPs and functional products)

4. Migration studies under use conditions

5. Regulatory aspects compliance





Members of the Consortium

The consortium of the NanoSafePack projectconsists of 2 RTDs and 5 Industrial Partners (3SME Association and 2 SMEs) from 5 Countries:Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal, Belgium andItaly.





Objectives

The main objective of NanoSafePACK project is to develop a bestpractices guide to allow the safe handling and use of nanoparticles inpackaging industries, considering integrated strategies to control theexposure to nanoparticles in industrial settings and provide the necessarydata to minimize and control the potential release of nanoparticles fromthe nanocomposites placed on the market.

Best

Practices

Guide

Nanocomposites Functionalies

• Relationships NPs – Properties• NPs Structures (Specific Types)• Functionalizers agents• Production process

FEATURES

Worker Safety

• Exposure Scenario Development• Risk Management Measures• Waste management• Safety Procedures

Consumer Safety

• NPs migration• NPs release from market NC• Labeling Information• New applications





Scope

According with the needs of the industry, as well as the expecteddevelopments of the nanocomposite materials, the following 6 nano-fillersconstitute the panel of nanoparticles under the scope of the NanoSafePackproject, including clay nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles andpromising application such as calcium carbonate at the nanometer scale.

Target NPs





Working Plan





Approaches related for the specific themes addressed by the project

Characterisation of Nanofillers

Hazard Assessment

Development of Exposure Escenarios

Life Cycle Assessment

Risk Control

The NPs panel (Nanoclays, Metal Oxide NPs andCaCO3-NPs), will be fully characterized accordingto OCDE guidelines and using the most advancedtechniques for nanotechnology research.







Hazard Assessment



Risk Control

The Hazard Assessment will include a comparativeanalysis of the toxicological and ecotoxicologicalprofile of the pristine NPs, functionalizednanofillers and nano-reinforced masterbaches.

The hazard studies will include:

- In vitro toxicity

- Eco-toxicity testing in aquatic and terrestrialspecies

- Fate and Behaviour of the NPs







Hazard Assessment



Risk Control

The exposure assessment will work on thequantitative characterization of the NPs releaseduring the production, processing and use of theselected nano-fillers and nanocomposites by meansof a combination of measurement devices







Hazard Assessment



Risk Control

The risk control will be based on the evaluationof the effectiveness of the workplace controls,including PPEs, ventilation, filtration an othertechniques.







Hazard Assessment



Risk Control

The LCA methodology will be applied to assess theenvironmental impact and energy efficiency ofprocesses involving the use of the nano-fillers ornanocomposites. In addition, potentialalternatives for the management of NPs basedpackaging waste will be identified.

B. Progress so far

B. Progress so far




Advances in the Subject

The tasks developed withinWP 1 has enabled of thedefinition of the specifictypes of metal oxide NPsand layered nanoclays, aswell other interestingENMs, which have abroader applicability inthe packaging industry.

B. Progress so far





On the other hand, we have defined 3 polymeric matrices where the useof nano-fillers results in improved and functional materials, consideringboth economic and technical aspects

1) Polypropylene (PP): one of those most versatile polymersavailable with applications, both as a plastic and as a fibre, invirtually all of the plastics end-use markets

2) Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): a plastic resin (polyester )widely used for food packaging materials and thermoformingapplications, with relevant properties as strength, thermo-stability and transparency.

3) Poly-lactic acid (PLA):biodegradable and compostable aliphatic polyesters derived fromrenewable resources. PLA is at present one of the most promising biopolymer. PLA iscommercially and largely available (large-scale production) in a wide range of grades. Ithas a reasonable price and some remarkable properties to fulfill different applications.

B. Progress so far





WP 1. Characterization

of Nanofillers

WP 2. Hazard Assessment

WP 3. Exposure Scenarios

To be completed on 2012

Complete: Tasks 1 & 2

Complete: Tasks 1 & 2

During this year we will characterize the NPs for nanocomposite applications, and we will

generate new information on the (eco)toxicological and exposure levels of the nano-fillers:

B. Progress so far




Innovations

Improvement the knowledge about the

toxicity profile of nanocomposites as a

complex matrix

New knowledge about

migration and interaction

with the polymeric matrix

Development of exposure

scenarios in specific

industrial settings

Characterization of risks

management measures

Scientific data about the risk of the

polymer nanocomposites as such

Control of migration patterns of NPs in relation to

their physicochemical properties and the kind of the

polymeric matrix

Cost effective risk management measures

Design of engineering controls and risk management

controls adapted to specific nanoparticles

Technical progress

- Controlling and prevent the worker exposure to nanoparticles - Providing new knowledge about the toxicity of the composites reinforced with nanoparticles - Predicting the release pattern to minimize the migration potential - Preventing the release of nanoparticles to the consumer - Complying with the regulation

Final Results

Best Practices

Guide

Possible Breakthroughs

B. Progress so far




Possible Breakthroughs in the near term

It’s expected a direct impact in the packaging and polymernanocomposite industry, helping the SME to develop new and safeinnovative materials

Milestone 1. Complete characterization of the specific Nano-fillersemployed in the packaging industry.

The project is in an early stage, being active since beginning of 2012. In this regard, we expect

to advance in knowledge and achieve the following milestones in the near term:

Milestone 2. Hazard characterization of the functionalized nanofillers

Milestone 3. Definition of the migration potential

Milestone 4. Exposure levels under real operative conditions

B. Progress so far




Possible Breakthroughs in the long term

The project will have a dramatic effect onto the workers safety, guaranteeing a safeworking environment and also on human health, avoiding diseases resulting fromdirect contact with the nanoparticles at worker and consumer level

Worker`s safety

Improved knowledge and information on the effectiveness of the risk managementmeasures currently employed

NanoSafePack will provide the packaging industry with the most appropriate measuresto control the exposure to ENPs and therefore to minimize the risk

New knowledge about Migration and release of nanoparticles in thepolymeric matrix, providing the SMEs with scientific and valid datato select the less hazardous nanofillers or predict the potentialrelease to the end user

Consumer`s safety

B. Progress so far




Improvement of the current knowledge about resource and energy consumption,emissions and their impact, providing a useful insight about nanocomposites, as well as aproxy for the toxicological and ecotoxicological impact due to the emissions

Enhanced spill control systems in the manufacturing process,considering the emission via air, water and soil

Environmental health and protection

NanoSafepack will propose novel strategies for themanagement of the waste produced along the life cycle ofinks and pigments containing nanoadditives.

Possible Breakthroughs in the long term

B. Progress so far




Application Perspectives, new needs and challenges

Today market demands are getting stronger for packaging development supporting asustainable society. In this regard, the NanoSafePack project will have a directapplication for:

The development of safe packaging materials based onnanoreinforcements

The characterization of NPs migration on the basis of the foodcontact materials regulation

The implementation of prevention and protection measures in theindustrial facilities

The promotion of the nanotechnology and consumer acceptance ofNanoproducts.

C. Further Research Needs

C.Futher Research Needs




Major Issues identified

Today (2012)

2016

2020 +

Barrier packaging using silicates

Structural & physical enhancement of

polymers:

The incorporation of organically modified

montmorillonite, TiO2 or SiO2 improve

mechanical properties, transparency,

crystallinity, gas impermeability and

flame resistance

Successful technical development of

polymer nanomaterials for food

packaging

Nanocomposites commercially

available, and applied to the

Automotive and food packaging

industries

Biodegradable polymer based

nanocomposites

Nanocomposites with added

functionality

Development of methods for

functionalization during synthesis to

reduce production steps and alignment

of nano-objects

Design of multifunctional materials

tailored for different needs

Development of combined

active/passive oxygen barrier systems

Scaling-up

Nano-objects integration In surface

engineering

Enhanced fire properties

Viable robust recycling, lifecycle

analysis, self or nano-reinforced

polymers

Adaptation of machines and process

parameters to maintain functionalities

Cost effective industrial scale

technologies for synthesis and

technologies for dispersion/exfoliation

(extrusion)

Understanding of relationships

morphology/functionality/triggers of

Multifunctional polymers

Adaptation/modification of novel

technologies for production on industrial

scale smart polymer; implementation of

these materials into different devices

Characterization and monitoring of

materials structure, properties and

functionalities

Materials modelling, thermal simulation

and process design

Development of Green Polymers

Combinations of nanofillers

• Organo-modified nanoclays in

combination with metallic hydroxides,

• Organo-modified nanoclays in

combination with phosphorous

compounds

• Nano-hydroxides and nano-oxides in

combination

• Carbon nanotubes in combination with

metallic hydroxides.

C.Futher Research Needs




Possible further development needs

On the basis of the current state of the art, the further development needs identified are:

Standardized methods for migration studies

Environmental fate and behavior of NPs

Exposure levels at the consumer stage

Quantitative relationships Exposure-Disease

Processability and dispersion into polymer matrix

Procedures and efficient protective equipment for riskmitigation and control

D. Conclusions

D. Conclusion




Is a R&D project arises from the Industrial needs

Cover the lack of knowledge related to the EHS issues posed by Nanoobjects

Support the Compliance of occupational safety regulations

REACH regulation

Ocupacional Hygiene - Environmental protection

Social benefits

Promotion of advanced products

Satisfaction of consumers’ demands for new products based on NPs

Industrial Development

SMEs will open new markets, ensuring the regulation fulfillment

Competitive differentiation of non European Markets

In summary, the NanoSafePack project:

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NanoSafePack Development of a Best Practices …...NanoSafePack Development of a Best Practices...

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