Self-assembly approaches, e.g. colloidal, emulsion and polymer phase separation, provide scientists withan exotic yet direct platform to access technologically desired nanostructures at competitive costs. Inparticular, soft nanomaterial systems such as block copolymer (BCP) materials present a powerful meansto tailor templates and spatially controlled systems that are amenable to large scale manufacturing practices.BCP nanoarchitectures in bulk, solution and thin film form can act as structural motifs to templateforeign materials and pave the way towards important applications across industry and society. Whileextensive literature and research efforts exist on electronic device uses using BCPs, we look at nascentapplications outside the integrated circuit realm. Recent reports are discussed including for example;light-harvesting (energy – section 2), metasurfaces (photonics – section 3), nanofiltration membranes(environmental – section 4) and antibacterial activity (biological – section 5). We endeavour to illustratethe window of opportunity presented through BCP self-assembly for nanomanufacturing. We believe thehighlights discussed will aid in directing new research initiatives and facilitate the large-scale integrationof BCP materials with broad societal impact.