Nanoco wins cadmium Euro battle

HI-tech manufacturer Nanaco is celebrating a decision by Euro MPs to reject an attempt to extend the exemption to the Restriction of Hazardous Substance Directive, which would have allowed the use of cadmium-containing quantum dots in Europe.

MEPs have voted against the exemption because of the threat posed by cadmium to human health and the environment.

Cadmium-free quantum dots are used by the Manchester-based AIM listed company in TVs and has ploughed £33m into developing the technology.

Quantum dots are microscopic, fluorescent semi-conductor nanoparticles with a diameter about 1/1000th the width of a human hair. They are used in a LCD displays, lighting and biomedical appliances.

Chief executive Michael Edelman said: “We are very pleased by this decision by the European Parliament and we would like to thank MEPs for the time they have taken to understand the detail and implications of the proposed exemption.
 
“Cadmium-free quantum dots are without question the preferred choice for human and environmental health. Such quantum dots have significant technological benefits and they are available today. We look forward to their increasingly widespread use throughout Europe, and worldwide, in multiple applications including enhanced LCD displays.”