The packaging industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by reusability, recyclability, light weight, and convenience, and growing importance of technologies such as circular economy, shrink wrapping, RFID technology, and virtual reality. In the last three years alone, there have been over 18,000 patents filed and granted in the packaging industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Environmental sustainability in packaging: biodegradable packaging films. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which uses over 83,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity for the packaging industry, there are 30+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Biodegradable packaging films is a key innovation area in environmental sustainability
Biodegradable packaging films refer to the films or materials used for packaging that can break down and decompose into natural components in the environment without causing harm. These films are typically made from natural materials such as starch, cellulose, and various biodegradable polymers and can be used for various packaging applications, including food packaging and consumer goods.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 105+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established packaging companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of biodegradable packaging films.
Key players in biodegradable packaging films – a disruptive innovation in the packaging industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Novamont is one of the leading patent filers in biodegradable packaging films. Some other key patent filers in the apce include Polymateria, TIPA, CCL Industries, Sunflower Plastic Compound, and Corbion. Polymateria launched biotransformed packaging film in partnership with Toppan Specialty Films in 2023. The release is claimed to be degraded in 176 days, without withdrawing any microplastics or toxin materials.
In terms of application diversity, Novamont leads the pack, while TIPA and Polymateria are in the second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, TIPA held the top position, followed by CCL Industries and Polymateria.
The demand for biodegradable packaging films will be stimulated by their ability to provide effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers, businesses, and regulatory bodies concerned about the planet's well-being.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the packaging industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in Packaging.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
