The Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) is a partner in DESIDERATA, a €12.8 million Horizon Europe Innovation Action that launched on 1 January 2025. Coordinated by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), DESIDERATA brings together 16 partners from 12 countries to develop safer alternatives to substances of concern in critical industrial applications using Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approaches.
The project focuses on five key Use Cases:
- Graphene-based lubricants
- Halogen-free flame retardants
- PFAS-free materials for additive manufacturing
- Graphene polymer coatings
- Sustainable construction materials
“DESIDERATA is a critical step in implementing the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability,” says Dr. Panagiotis Isigonis, Project Coordinator at LIST. “By developing alternatives to hazardous substances in key sectors, we can reduce environmental and health risks while supporting industry transitions.”
Over the next four years, DESIDERATA will provide evidence-based recommendations for replacing hazardous substances while helping industry move towards safer, more sustainable practices.
The NIA leads stakeholder engagement, fostering dialogue between policymakers, regulators, and industry.
“DESIDERATA enables NIA to work with industry on developing SSbD products, help regulators integrate SSbD into regulations, and inform future EU policy,” says Dr. Sean Kelly, NIA’s Interim Director General. “It’s vital for NIA to support members in implementing SSbD while ensuring that EU policy is both practical for industry and conducive to innovation.”
For updates, follow DESIDERATA on LinkedIn.
This project is funded by the EU’s Horizon Research and Innovation programme (Grant Agreement N° 101178011) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
