Packaging, Films & Bioplastics

A synthetic biology perspective

A subset of SynBio - packaging, films & bioplastics related patents were identified during the hybrid topic modelling stage applied to SynBio EPO patents. The publication year trends are shown in figure 15.1, together with the subset related to enzyme based patents within the packaging, films & bioplastics topic. Publication trends discussed below are based on EP A1/A2 applications.

In figure 15.1, the peak publication figures for SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics occurred in 2023 (241 publications), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.4% during 2014-2023. The packaging, films & bioplastics subset related to biodegradability also peaked in 2023 (162 publications) with a CAGR of 16.8% during 2014-2023. The biodegradable related subset accounted for 70.1% of the total packaging, films & bioplastics topic publications during 2004-2023. The recent evidence suggests strong growth amongst SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics related publications.

The INPADOC legal status breakdown of the SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics subset published during 2014-2023 is shown in figure 15.2.

The INPADOC based legal status stats in figure 15.2 revealed approx. 50% of patents are pending with approx. 30% already granted, reflecting an established and growing field. The legal status data suggests the topic has a large proportion of alive patents (80%) and the high pending proportion (50%) indicates the potential for further growth.

The filing trends for the SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics subset and subtrend areas are shown in figure 15.3. Here we explore the filing or application date of published applications, data is restricted to 2021 due to the potential for an 18 month delay between filing and publication.

In figure 15.3, the peak filing figures for SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics occurred in 2021 (228 filings), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% during 2012-2021.

The packaging, films & bioplastics subset related to biodegradability also peaked in 2021 (153 filings) with a CAGR of 15.4% during 2012-2021. The recent evidence suggests strong growth amongst SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics related filings.

The distribution of top 20 CPC classification codes in figure 15.4 is skewed towards biopackaging made from renewables or bioplastics (Y02W90/10) with 708 publications. Ranked second, the bio or photodegradable packaging (B65D65/466) classification code had 541 publications, more than double the size of the third ranked classification code. The class descriptors are manually refined for readability, the counts are cumulative publications and publication year based.

In figure 15.4, biopackaging made from renewables or bioplastics peaked in 2023 with 174 publications growing at 25.2% CAGR during 2014-23. Similarly bio or photodegradable packaging materials peaked in 2023 with 111 publications, growing at 14.4% CAGR during 2014-23. Both of these classification areas experienced strong growth during the most recent 10 year period analysed. There exists further examples of biodegradable classification codes with smaller publication totals such as B65D65/46, etc. Polyesters have also been identified as a key material, biopolymers including polyesters can be synthesised commercially and have a demonstrated industrial value.

Growing areas within SynBio - packaging, films & bioplastics: compound annual growth rate (CAGR)

The SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics related CPC classifications were further investigated to identify areas with a positive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to identify trending areas, shown in figure 15.5. The selected classes have a cumulative total above 50 publications (due to the number of candidates) during the publication period and are relevant for SynBio subject matter.

From a materials perspective the impact of polyester based biopolymers / bioplastics is prominent in figure 15.5, with 4 class areas growing above 20% CAGR and C08J2367/02 growing at 34.1% CAGR during 2014-2023, with packaging, films or bioplastic applications. Specific types of packaging and packaging for food such as packaging with coated or impregnated materials (B65D65/42) are developing at almost 40% CAGR during 2014-23. Bio-packaging (Y02W90/10) had a CAGR of 25.2% and two biodegradable classification areas (B65D65/46 & B32B2307/7163) grew at almost 20% CAGR in a dynamic and growing topic area. Notable patent examples in the classes identified and using citing patent counts, top assignees, etc. include:

  • Packaging/films & materials
    EP3800222 (NOVAMONT) disclosing a polymer composition for the manufacture of thermoformed articles which can be biodegraded. EP3878887 (COCA COLA) disclosing a bio-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container (a polyester thermoplastic). EP3909998 (MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP) disclosing biomass derived polyester which may be used within a moulded product such as packaging. EP3778236 disclosing a multilayer biodegradable film which is particularly suitable for the manufacture of packaging.

  • Biodegradable
    EP3429927 (PULPAC) disclosing the manufacturing of a cellulose product by pressure moulding. EP3585707A1 (VERICOOL) disclosing a thermally insulating packaging including a solid compostable or recyclable shell that is formed primarily of a plant fibre. EP3708514 (STORA ENSO OYJ) disclosing a heat-sealable biodegradable packaging material.

Growing areas within SynBio - packaging, films & bioplastics: average growth rate

The average number of publications during two 5 year publication periods; 2014-18 & 2019-23 are contrasted in figure 15.6. The CPC classification codes within the packaging, films & bioplastics topic, related to SynBio and with sufficient publication totals are analysed.

Bio-packaging from renewable resources or bioplastics (Y02W90/0) increased by 3.7 times from 32 publications on average to 112 publications on average per year during 2019-23. The bio- or photodegradable packaging materials class (B65D65/466) more than doubled to 76 publications on average per year during 2019-2023. Both areas are the largest class groups with some of the fastest growth. The analysis carried out highlights increasing growth for biopackaging related patenting activity. There is also growth amongst resin based class areas and the use of starch and rubber as materials together with polyesters. A recent review highlighted bio-based materials demand for packaging growing to 9.45 million tons by 2023, patenting activity is influenced by the demand for biobased solutions.

SynBio - packaging, films & bioplastics: top 30 applicants

The total number of publications for the top 30 SynBio packaging, films & bioplastics related applicants are shown in figure 15.7, contrasting the overall publication period (2004-23) with a more recent perspective during 2014-2023.