Chemical innovation 'focusing on sustainability'[de] 

He said industry is responding to the need for sustainability by adjusting feedstock materials, introducing lifecycle thinking and developing products and technologies that help save energy. 

Klotz said the industry is working through the SusChem platform to develop more efficient and flexible production processes. 

"The 'F3 Factory' – future, fast, flexible – is the chemicals factory of the future, designed to be low-impact, efficient and flexible, as well as needing fewer materials," he said. 

Given the scarcity of resources, promoting a more sustainable approach to chemical products makes business sense, he added. 

This comes as the chemcials industry continues to grapple with the implementation of the REACH Directive , which places the burden on businesses to prove their products are safe before putting them on the market. 

It also follows the publication of the report by the High Level Group on Chemicals which aimed to map out a competitive future for the industry (EurActiv 23/02/09).

"The competitiveness of Europe cannot only be based on services. The service and manufacturing industries should go hand in hand. Innovation or 'turning good ideas into competitive solutions for society' is an investment which only competitive industries are able to accommodate," Klotz said. 

According to Klotz, easier access to public funding, more entrepreneurship and risk-taking from public bodies will help the EU turns its investment in R&D into sustainable products and technologies. 

"We need to keep the sustainability triangle alive and not overlook that there are three pillars to sustainable development - economic, social and environmental," he said. 

On the issue of regulating nanotechnology, he believes the current regulatory framework is sufficient to cover the safety of nanomaterials. He said the chemicals sector does not favour specific labelling on nanomaterials, as it is not seen as helpful for consumers. 

"Too many labels would even lead to confusion and information overkill," Dr Klotz said. 

He also warned against "lumping" all nanotechnologies together when attempting to guarantee their safety. The impact of nanomaterials in coatings for cars is not the same as for medicine, he added. 

To read the interview in full, please click here.