The UK Micro and NanoTechnology Network (MNT), has initiated a MNT Quality Mark for firms involved in the nanotechnology industry. The objective of the MNT Quality Mark is to benchmark development and implementation of best practice and to set a strict minimum standard of performance and achievement.

The MNT Quality Mark initiative follows the recent announcement that the UK has been awarded the Chair and Secretariat of the International Organization for Standardisation's (ISO) technical committee for nanotechnologies. Through this committee the UK can further support this emerging discipline and use standardisation to help ensure its successful global growth.

Competitive advantage

In an inaugural UK pilot, five companies achieved this 'Seal of Approval'. William Pedder, Chief Executive of a key UK Government agency backing international business development, UK Trade & Investment, said: "The MNT Quality Mark is a key milestone for the UK nanotechnology industry. It strengthens our position as a world leader in innovation and standardisation. It will be vital to help businesses act responsibly in maximising nanotechnology and gain competitive advantage in a global marketplace."

The Director of the Micro and Nanotechnology Network, Professor Hugh
Clare, commented: "The launch of the MNT network in 2003 has seen the
nanotechnology industry rapidly evolve and expand in the UK. The Government investment support, such as that provided by UK Trade & Investment, MNT network and the Regional Development Agencies, ensures that the UK is set to remain at the forefront of the global nanotechnology sector."

• Global consumption of all types of nanomaterials including such well-established applications as carbon black rubber fillers, photographic silver, and catalytic converter catalyst and support materials was about 8.7 million metric tonnes last year with an estimated value of $12.5 billion. Research quoted by the US-based Business Communications Company projects that this year nanomaterials consumption will surpass 9 million tons and $13.1 billion, reaching 10.3 million tons or $20.5 billion by 2010. These projections represent an average annual growth rate of 2.7 per cent in volume or 9.3 per cent in value between 2005 and 2010.

Non-polymer organic materials account for the largest share of total nanomaterials consumption (61.3 per cent in 2004, declining to 50 per cent by 2010). The bulk of the non-polymer organic nanomaterials consumed are carbon black fillers used in rubber goods and ink manufacturing.

Metal nanomaterials, which were the second-largest segment in 2004 with more than 21per cent of the market, are projected to fall to third place in 2010, when they will account for 15.5 per cent of the market. Moving into second place by 2010 will be simple oxide nanomaterials, whose share of the market is expected to rise to 15.7 per cent in 2010. Polymer nanomaterials will remain the fourth-largest market segment in both 2004 and 2010.