Waste Processing & Conversion - Subtopic Landscape

A synthetic biology perspective

The subset of SynBio – waste processing & conversion related patents were further investigated to identify subtopics and assess trending areas. The topic model leverages a hybrid approach based on the optimised extractive summary for each publication. Using a combination of topic discovery via fine-tuned transformer based deep learning and ground truth cross referencing via keyword and classification codes. The process enables a patent to belong to more than one topic for accurate multi-classification trends, accounting for multiple invention embodiments. Please see the topic model page for further details regarding the topic model methodology to avoid duplication here.

Subtopic counts

The identified subtopics within the topic area are shown in figure 1. The topics are ranked based on the total number of published applications since 2015. A patent application can be counted more than once as it can belong to multiple topics.

In figure 1, plastic and rubber recycling is a major feedstock, almost 35% of documents were classified in this subtopic. Biomass is converted and processed (34.4%), typified by cellulose feedstocks where 18.5% of documents were classified within this subtopic. There is evidence of waste being repurposed for diverse products such as polyesters, bioplastics, biodegradable materials, textiles and coatings and animal feed. Biofuels are also produced from waste such as ethanol and hydrogen and other biogases. The International Energy Agency identifies a significant increase in biofuel production is needed to get on track with net zero emissions by 2050. Advanced feedstock innovation must expand enabling biofuels from waste and residues and non-food energy crops to meet over 40% of biofuel demand by 2030 (currently 9% in 2021).

The waste processing & conversion subtopic publication year trends are shown in figure 2. Publication trends discussed below are based on EP A1/A2 applications, identified patents can belong to more than one subtopic due to multiple invention embodiments.

In figure 2, there are 10 topics above the 10% compound average growth rate during 2016-24. Some of the more interesting trends include the fastest growing subtopic; textile & coatings (33.8%), the related polyesters subtopic grew at 32.2%. Plastic & rubber recycling looks set to continue as an important feedstock growing at 31% whilst waste products are increasingly being repurposed for use as packaging, films & bioplastics which grew at 29.8% and bioplastics, biodegradable & artificial materials (22.3%). Waste products are also being developed for animal feed growing at 21.8%.

Subtopic top 20 assignees distributions (published since 2015)

The patent portfolios of the top 20 assignees within the dataset are analysed in figure 3. The portfolios are restricted to publications during 2015-24, mapped to the subtopics identified, the counts represent total EPO publications.

The heatmap in figure 3 reveals the distribution of the top 20 assignees since 2015, publications can be assigned to more than one subtopic, reflecting multiple invention embodiments. Amongst the top 20 assignees identified, EASTMAN CHEMICAL (110 publications) & SABIC are the most prolific assignees within the plastic & rubber recycling subtopic, contributing to the growth of this area. NESTE OIL is the largest assignee within the biomass conversion & processing topic (44 publications). DOW GLOBAL (26 publications) is active in the textiles & coatings area. The assignees active in material areas such as polyesters include EASTMAN CHEMICAL (42 publications), TOYOBO (26 publications) and CARBIOS (32 publications). LANZATECH has a notable distribution in the bacteria topic for processing waste materials.

The analysis does not account for earlier publications prior to 2015, which may have contributed to companies developing market share, etc. and potential licensing and acquisitions (subsidiaries). The analysis is an informative guide as some specific subtopics have strict content boundaries to enable differentiation, whilst others are broader to capture more generic areas.