Nanotechnology is the basis of many new products and processes that can reduce pollution, minimise use of scarce resources (including energy) and offer substitutes for several hazardous chemicals.

Applications already in the market include catalysts that prevent toxic chemicals from being released into the environment, textile finishes that minimise the need for washing and reduce the transmission of disease, low-toxicity coatings that prevent biofouling, biocidal coatings that reduce the incidence and transmission of MRSA and other diseases, and new generation flame retardants that are much more environmentally friendly.