Innovation in bioplastics and plastic recycling is on the rise

As a reflection of inventive activity and the ability to convert that activity into economic benefits, patent filings are a useful indicator of overall inventive performance
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Intellectual property firm Appleyard Lees has released a new report that focuses on patent filings related to a range of key environmental challenges facing the world
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Bioplastics innovation based on global patent activity is at its highest point in nearly two decades, while investment in plastic recycling technologies is accelerating, the report shows
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The article titled Green Innovation Inside: A 2021 Progress Report identifies specific technological advances in optimizing bioplastic production and improving its properties to deliver the performance and longevity expected by consumers
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At the same time, chemical recycling technologies offer potential options for reducing landfill waste
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The number of patent filings in 2020 shows that despite a relative decline since 2003, there is a resurgence in bioplastics innovation
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The type of innovation shown by the lead applicant's patents includes a focus on the composition and structure of biopolymers, such as biodegradable materials for orthopedic medical devices and cleaning products
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Investments in developing new, biodegradable polymer blends are also aimed at creating greater bioplastic strength and flexibility, while other biopolymer components are aimed at making plastic bags both biodegradable and easier to open
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Other sustainable applications using polymers include eco-friendly wallpaper and a sensor that measures soil temperature and humidity
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The latest patent filings have been driven by groups in Europe, South Korea and Japan, although previously leading Japanese companies such as Toray Industries lag behind Germany's BASF and South Korea's LG Chem in bioplastic filings
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Plastic recycling - finding alternatives to mechanical recycling

An analysis of patent filings for plastic recycling technology shows that innovation is accelerating and will continue
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U.
S.
-based specialty materials companies Eastman, along with Bridgestone, Chevron and Solvay, are among the top patent applicants in plastic recycling
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Eastman’s filings since 2018, which cite 12 of the 20 patent series filed by Saudi Aramco subsidiary SABIC in 2015 and 2016, show an explosion of innovation in the field, especially in combination with pyrolysis Improved processes related to plastic waste (decomposing and recycling polymers)
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Innovation in plastics - the future

David Walsh, partner at Appleyard Lees, said: "The patent filing data shows that the campaign remains focused on improving the mechanical properties of bioplastics for mass production, while the bulk of the patent filings appear to be emphasizing iterative and bespoke improvements
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“Also, in plastics recycling, despite innovations in pyrolysis technology, we expect increased patenting activity in the enzymatic hydrolysis of existing polymers and see early signs of rising interest in ring-opening polymerization and ring-closing depolymerization
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