Bioplastics Patent Filings Increase by 10% in 2022, with PET and Recycling Innovations Leading the Way

South Korea notably increased its bioplastics patent filings, more than tripling from 2020 to 2022. This surge is likely driven by government targets aimed at reducing plastic waste.

In terms of material innovations, polypropylene (PP), while still growing, has been overtaken by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) recycling and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PP now ranks third, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) trailing behind.

Chris Mason, a partner at Appleyard Lees, highlighted that despite the challenging economic environment, the surge in bioplastics patent filings reflects the growing demand for solutions to the global plastic waste crisis. Innovations are responding to criticism that many bioplastics break down only in industrial composting environments, with a focus on developing materials with both biodegradability and the mechanical properties necessary for natural environments.

The report also indicates that chemical recycling technologies are seeing increasing innovation. Patent filings in this space rose by over 25%, with a 350% increase over the past five years. Pyrolysis, a key technology in chemical recycling, continues to lead, with a 32% growth in filings from 2021 to 2022. Other recycling technologies, such as metal-catalysed depolymerization and supercritical water, are also experiencing growth.

Additionally, microbial biodegradation technologies are on the rise, with an increasing number of patents for microorganisms capable of degrading plastics. This trend aligns with the growing focus on closing the loop in a circular plastic economy.

The bioplastics sector is also experiencing significant growth in polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which saw the sharpest increase in patent filings, up by 58%. PHAs, derived from sugars grown from algae, are now second only to polylactic acid (PLA) in terms of patent numbers. These bioplastics are capable of biodegrading in natural environments, unlike PLA, which requires industrial composting.

In contrast, butylene-based bioplastics, often derived from petrochemicals, have seen a decline. The innovation in PHAs offers a promising alternative to traditional plastics, combining environmental sustainability with commercial viability.

Reference

LETSRECYCLE(November 15, 2024) Bioplastics patent filings up 10% in 2022