Transparent communication about nanomaterials

• Joint final report presented in Berlin
• BASF committed to dialog on the topic of nanotechnology



BASF’s Dialog Forum Nano is presenting its final report for the dialog phase 2011/2012 in Berlin. The aim of the regular dialog with representatives from research institutes, labor unions, commerce, industry, churches as well as environmental and consumer organizations was to generate joint recommendations for improving transparency in communication about nanomaterials from manufacturers to consumers. “The Dialog Forum Nano is a good example of how BASF is innovative not only in using new technologies to develop new products, but also in communication about these technologies,” said Wolfgang Weber, Vice President Communications & Government Relations BASF Group. “Our positive experience shows that we are on the right track. We will therefore continue the dialog series in future.”



BASF has conducted the Dialog Forum Nano since 2008, making it the only company in Germany to pursue a regular dialog on the topic of nanotechnology. “It is very important for us that a trusting and constructive cooperation has developed over the years. We have entered into many – sometimes difficult – discussions and have reviewed our own positions,” explained the organizer Carolin Kranz, Senior Manager Communications & Government Relations. Participant Rolf Buschmann of the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center stated: “The Dialog Forum Nano represents an innovative and successful approach to stakeholder communication which has been decisively shaped by the special commitment and willingness of the participants from many different areas of business and society to engage in discussions.” The Dialog Forum Nano was developed and moderated by the organization “Dialog Basis”.



Over several months the dialog partners discussed which scientific information is available, where knowledge gaps exist and how information can be usefully presented to consumers. The topics were partially based on specific consumer inquiries and numerous expert assessments. Using the examples of dirt-repellent and antimicrobial textiles as well as paints and coatings, the joint final report contains recommendations on how information can be gathered within the companies along the supply chain in order to facilitate communication with consumers. At today’s event in Berlin, the results of the dialog phase 2011/2012 will be presented and discussed with Ulrike Höfken, Minister for Environment, Agriculture, Food, Wine Growing and Forestry of the Federal State of Rhineland Palatinate, and others.



The final report and other information on the topic of nanotechnology can be found on http://nanotechnology.basf.com. The website contains information on new products and research projects as well as the results of BASF’s safety research on nanotechnology. There is also an opportunity to enter into dialog with the company through asking questions and exchanging viewpoints.



About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com