New data from Appleyard Lees’ Inside Green Innovation: Progress Report highlights record levels in bioplastic and chemical recycling patent applications, reflecting ongoing innovation in sustainable materials despite economic challenges.
The report indicates an increase in both bioplastic filings and interest in chemical recycling technologies, with particular progress noted in Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a promising bioplastic with natural biodegradability.
Bioplastic patent filings reach new heights
In 2022, global patent applications for bioplastics exceeded 600 for the first time, marking a 10% rise from 2021. The data suggests increased innovation around sustainable plastic alternatives, especially in PHAs, which grew by 58% over the year.
Unlike other bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), which requires industrial composting, PHAs degrade naturally, offering an environmentally friendly option.
A significant portion of this activity is driven by companies in South Korea, where governmental policies push for plastic waste reduction.
Companies like Brazil’s Bioreset Biotecnologia and South Korea’s LG Chemical are among the leading patent applicants, particularly focusing on improving PHA production and its use in various applications, including non-woven fabrics.
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Other countries, including Japan, China, and Europe, have also shown high levels of patent activity, further signalling a global commitment to advancing sustainable materials.
Rise in chemical recycling innovation
The report notes that 2022 saw a substantial increase in patent applications for chemical recycling technologies, reaching nearly 700 filings. This figure reflects a more than 350% rise over the past five years.
Chemical recycling, which breaks down plastics into their basic components for reuse, addresses challenges in traditional recycling methods, which often struggle to meet sustainability targets.
Pyrolysis, a method of converting plastic waste to fuel, saw a notable 32% rise in filings. Meanwhile, other emerging techniques like metal-catalysed depolymerisation and microbial biodegradation have shown steady growth, each marking around a 20% annual increase.
South Korea is rapidly advancing in this sector, recently surpassing the United States in chemical recycling patents.
Market pressures and regional trends
The report suggests that the drive toward a circular economy, combined with regulatory pressures and consumer demand, continues to fuel innovation in bioplastics and recycling technologies.
Companies are responding to criticism that some bioplastics only break down under specific conditions, working toward solutions that perform better in natural environments.
In chemical recycling, polypropylene (PP) remains a significant focus, though polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have shown the highest momentum recently.
The rise in patent applications reflects an industry adapting to meet global waste reduction targets and reduce reliance on petrochemicals.
With ongoing political and societal pressure, the report anticipates sustained growth in innovation across these sectors, as companies strive to create more sustainable plastic alternatives and effective recycling solutions.
