Challenges and opportunities in carbon-based nanocomposites: Expert perspectives on safety, regulation, and sustainability

As carbon-based nanocomposite materials (CBNCMs) become increasingly integrated into wide range of technological sectors, including energy storage, electronics, biomedicine, and structural engineering, concerns about their environmental, health, and sustainability implications are gaining prominence. This study explores key aspects influencing the sustainable development of CBNCMs, including familiarity with existing policies and risk prevention measures, environmental and health risk assessments, life cycle emissions and exposure risks, end-of-life solutions, and the integration of circular economy principles. The role of standardization and harmonization is also examined as a crucial factor in ensuring consistent and safe practices across the CBNCMs lifecycle. Insights from expert opinions, including findings from a questionnaire survey conducted within the framework of the COST Action CA19118 (EsSENce), are used to support the analysis. The study highlights existing gaps and opportunities for improving risk governance, promoting safe-by-design approaches, and advancing sustainable lifecycle management of CBNCMs.