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Sandvik booms in Q2
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ISO standards to infiltrate nanotechnology As nanotechnologies become mature enough to justify international standards agreement, a new benchmark for best practice has been launched in the UK...
T
he 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
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MPR October 2005
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.
Sandvik booms in Q2 SWEDISH tooling giant Sandvik recorded sharply increased profits in the second quarter. Gross profits were up 27 per cent to SEK 2.3 billion, while net profit increased 21 per cent to SEK 1.6 billion. Earnings per share rose 23 per cent. All business areas reported increased sales, order intake and operating profit and demand remained favourable in all market areas. Order intake in NAFTA and Asia/Australia was strong, as it was in Europe, where the trend had previously been weaker. But the greatest increase was achieved in Latin America, where order intake rocketed by 68 per cent. The Sandvik Group, which includes UK fine powder maker Sandvik Osprey, has now reported positive growth for three years. Much of the reason for that, said Chief Executive Lars Pettersson, “has been our own ability to improve the efficiency of our operations and to convert investment in R&D into new products and services.”
0026-0657/05 ©2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ISO standards to infiltrate nanotechnology As nanotechnologies become mature enough to justify international standards agreement, a new benchmark for best practice has been launched in the UK...
T
he 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
14
MPR October 2005
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.
Sandvik booms in Q2 SWEDISH tooling giant Sandvik recorded sharply increased profits in the second quarter. Gross profits were up 27 per cent to SEK 2.3 billion, while net profit increased 21 per cent to SEK 1.6 billion. Earnings per share rose 23 per cent. All business areas reported increased sales, order intake and operating profit and demand remained favourable in all market areas. Order intake in NAFTA and Asia/Australia was strong, as it was in Europe, where the trend had previously been weaker. But the greatest increase was achieved in Latin America, where order intake rocketed by 68 per cent. The Sandvik Group, which includes UK fine powder maker Sandvik Osprey, has now reported positive growth for three years. Much of the reason for that, said Chief Executive Lars Pettersson, “has been our own ability to improve the efficiency of our operations and to convert investment in R&D into new products and services.”
0026-0657/05 ©2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.