Key examples of nanotechnology in microplastics, packaging and textiles

• Overview on nanotechnology`s influence on textiles, surface functionalizations and applications • Nanomaterials for packaging and selected current examples such as functional coating systems • Relevant safety issues are reported for nanomaterials with the special focus on microplastics • Current research on risk assessment of micro- and nanoplastics as well as analytical investigations with a three-stage membrane filter cascade Nanotechnology is a powerful technological basis for the design of materials for various areas of application. It is becoming increasingly important in our complex world and a growing number of applications are proving its high-performance capacity on a regular basis. Today, its unique ability to define materials and structures at the nanometer scale opens up new opportunities to tackle some of the most pressing challenges. In this review, we discuss key examples of nanotechnology's contributions to microplastics, packaging and textiles, all three of which have proven to be omnipresent and particularly transformative. We present current approaches to characterizing and addressing the challenge of microplastics, explain concepts of sustainable packaging solutions and demonstrate the applicability of improved textile materials. In all three areas, key examples will be given of how nanotechnology as an enabling technology can pave the way to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.