Possibilities and limits of LCA when applied to nano-technologies: example of PlasmaNice Leo Breedveld (2B), Frank Markert (DTU) Johanna Lahti (TUT), Dirk Vangeneugden (VITO) March 2 nd 2011, Brussels Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) & Risk Analysis (RA) in nano-materials related NMP projects The PlasmaNice project: Atmospheric Plasmas for Nanoscale Industrial Surface Processing. Project framework: Integrated product and process development approach for new more sustainable packaging materials. Uniqueness: new developments are creating opportunities for a real breakthrough for broad implementation of nano-tailored surface treatments. Participants/partners: 7 research institutes, 5 SMEs and 2 large industrial participants from eight European countries. Time: Euros: ~7 million (grant MP4-LA ). Project overview Atmospheric plasma deposition technology (VITO and TUE) Sol-gel development (Fh-ISC and VTT) Extrusion coating and analytics development (TUT, DTU and JSI) Life cycle analysis (LCA) and risk assessment (RA) on selected and representative processes (DTU and 2B). Partners and Fields of expertise Development of equipment for in-line atmospheric plasma deposition of functional nano-coatings on various fibre- and polymer- based substrates in order to: improve the performance of packaging materials resulting in products with longer shelf life and better quality; reduce the environmental impact by means a reduced material consumption, less waste production and use of renewable resources; increase the skill level in the supply chain (product stewardship). Social objectives The development includes a number of interrelated themes as: process development applying plasma technology new coating materials applying sol-gel systems systems analysis applying LCA and RA tools. Significance of LCA&RA in the project Life Cycle Assessment Risk is a complex function of: the hazards connected with a certain system, the probability that a hazard results in an undesired event, the consequences of this event and the vulnerability of the environment that is exposed. Risk Assessment Perceived risk, or risk as interpreted by the general public, as well as the acceptability of certain risks appear to depend on many aspects like control, dread, knowledge and trust. LCA&RA: complementary tools! LCARA PrincipleLess is betterAbove treshold Goal Assessment of potential impacts Estimation of environmental risks ScopeLife-cycle perspective Substances released to the environment DimensionsTime and space independent Time and space dependent FocusMassConcentrations ApproachRealistic estimates for product comparison Worst-case for initial risk assessment Support the development of new production paths (systems approach, part of engineering management, mindmap) Garantuee a sustainable product (environment, economy, and social/safety) Communication of e.g. the risk of the specific nano-technology. Why a combined approach? Methods: process equipment The new developed nano-coated paperboard will as a start use the pilot extrusion coating line established at Tampere University of Technology. Here also devices for in-line plasma treatment and nano- coating will be installed. Three different plasma technologies for activation and material deposition will be evaluated: Plasmatrix: using air plasma for surface cleaning and activation PlasmaLine: using indirect atmospheric plasma treatment for activation or coating PlasmaZone: using direct atmospheric plasma treatment for activation or coating. Materials: why plasma & nano? Injecting nano-sized solid, liquid or gaseous precursors in the plasma discharge allows the tailoring of the surface on the nano- meter level towards desired multifunctional properties. Due to the non-equilibrium thermodynamic conditions, chemical precursors are fragmented into reactive species which react with each other on the surface to produce a coating. Plasma and nano-technology are combined in order to develop innovative multifunctional coatings with a reduced environmental impact. Example: sol-gel materials and plasma deposition Example: LCA results of one of the case studies Example: consumers perception at the R&D stage Scientists and politicians often cite the public debate on genetically-modified (GM) foods as example of how communication failures can delay technological progress Mr. PlasmaNice: cartoon figure created to explain safety and environmental issues to a broader public in order to enhance risk perception and awareness related to nanotechnologies. Transparency is important Be open for 2-way communication Key points in our communication strategy: Different communication strategies for experts and non-experts Building up activities throughout the project Explore dissemination via social media Ongoing market watch The goal and scope of the RA and LCA and relevant background information have been gathered. These will be used to assess the sustainability of the products using various combinations of materials and processes. A preliminary assessment of the paper and film coating process using plasma technology revealed that nano-particles are only produced during the coating process The main potential emission source is expected to be close to the atomizer. After curing the coating material is polymerized giving a nano-sized coating being bound to the paperboard or film which is assumed a negligible emission source. Thus a potential exposure with nano-particles seems restricted to the workspace and it seems to be a potential occupational health problem that may need attention, but which is expected to be fully controllable if appropriate measures are in place such as good ventilation. First conclusions A LCA study will be done on a paperboard coated with PLA and on some other systems A more detailed risk study will be done to confirm the initial findings The results obtained using the TUT pilot processing will be used to predict possible risk and occupational health problems in larger process equipment Results will be used for proper communication of the risks involved with the new products and process technology General research need: toxic impacts of nano-materials emitted during the life cycle are difficult to assess and require more research in this area. Needs and future developments Thank you for your attention! Acknowledgement: the PlasmaNice partners wish to thank the European Commission for its support