Why Nanomaterials in Carbon Black Are a Mega Headache
By Ryan Cheng, CRO at Nature Coatings Inc
For decades, carbon black has been the invisible backbone of everyday products—coloring in packaging, inks, coatings, cosmetics, paints, and construction materials. But around the world—and especially in Europe—the rules are changing, and those changes have big implications for global manufacturers and brands.
In Europe, any use of nano carbon black must now be explicitly disclosed on labels, particularly in cosmetics. Manufacturers are required to list it as “carbon black (nano)” and meet strict purity thresholds, especially around polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The EU has also moved aggressively to restrict microplastics, creating a double regulatory squeeze for pigments that ride alongside synthetic polymers.
According to R-Nano France, the strictest regulatory definition in Europe, a nanoparticle is any intentionally manufactured substance that contains particles, unbound or as an aggregate or agglomerate, where at least 50% of the particles in the number size distribution have one or more external dimensions between 1 nanometer and 100 nanometers. This definition ensures that extremely fine materials like nano carbon black fall under regulatory oversight.
This isn’t just an EU issue. Regulators in North America, Asia, and Australia are all beginning to subject nanomaterials—including nano carbon black—to stricter oversight. Manufacturers can no longer assume carbon black is a simple, risk-free ingredient. And because global supply chains typically align to the highest standard—often Europe’s—that reality will shape the market worldwide.
Nanoparticles are regulated because of their unique risks at extremely small scales. Due to their size, they can: penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream when inhaled; cross biological barriers, including the skin and even the placental barrier; persist in the environment, contributing to pollution and unknown ecological effects; and contain or release hazardous substances like PAHs, raising concerns of carcinogenicity. In short, their nanoscale size creates exposure pathways and risks that do not exist for the same substances in bulk form, prompting regulators to treat them with added caution.
In cosmetics, for example, some eyeliners reformulated with alternative pigments no longer deliver the dark, rich black that consumers expect. To compensate, companies have turned to overseas sourcing from markets like Korea, but this undermines local manufacturers who must play by stricter European rules. The result: uneven quality, competitive disadvantages, and rising compliance costs.
Companies need a pigment that meets the performance expectations of consumers and the compliance demands of regulators—without introducing new risks.
Enter Nature Coating’s BioBlack™. Instead of navigating regulatory landmines, brands can switch to a pigment that’s:
• Carbon negative – made entirely from FSC-certified wood waste.
• Non-nano – no disclosure or labeling hurdles.
• No detectable toxins – free of PAHs, PFAHs, and VOCs.
• Globally scalable – aligned with Europe’s toughest standards, meaning it is already compliant with the “lowest common denominator” for global supply chains.
For industries such as textiles, printing inks, bioplastics, packaging, and cosmetics, BioBlack provides both high-performance pigmentation and peace of mind. It delivers the deep, rich black that consumers demand—without the compliance headaches or health risks that come with petroleum-derived pigments.
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Global Risk Landscape for Carbon Black (Nano) - (Risk Levels from 1–5)
European Union: Requires disclosure on labels (e.g., “carbon black (nano)”), strict PAH purity limits, safety assessments under REACH/CLP, microplastics restrictions.
Risk Level: 5 – Very High
United States: EPA requires reporting under TSCA for engineered nanomaterials, FDA oversight for cosmetics and food-contact, OSHA workplace exposure limits.
Risk Level: 3 – Medium
Canada: CEPA requires notification and risk assessment for nanomaterials; carbon black nano may be treated as a “new substance” even if bulk is listed.
Risk Level: 4 – High
Australia: AICIS regulates industrial nanomaterials, Safe Work Australia sets occupational limits, FSANZ oversees food-contact.
Risk Level: 3 – Medium
Japan: Case-by-case review under Chemical Substances Control Law; stricter scrutiny in high-exposure applications like cosmetics.
Risk Level: 2 – Low to Medium
China: Evolving standards; toxicology testing and registration increasingly required for nano forms in consumer goods.
Risk Level: 3 – Medium
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The trend is clear: regulations are tightening, disclosure is expanding, and consumers are becoming more aware of what’s in their products. But this is about more than compliance. It’s about health and wellness, too. Carbon black in nano form is associated with respiratory risks, workplace exposure hazards, and potential carcinogenic impurities.
With no detectable PAHs, PFAHs, or VOCs, BioBlack offers a path toward safer products for workers, consumers, and communities. And because it is carbon negative, it also helps address the urgent need to cut emissions.
Global manufacturers can’t afford to chase loopholes or regional workarounds. They need a solution that meets performance expectations and passes regulatory tests everywhere. BioBlack is that solution: a pigment that is dark, safe, scalable, and future-proof.
Have questions about nanomaterials in carbon black or how BioBlack derived from nontoxic wood waste can eliminate them? Contact us.
