Plastics in transition
While plastics are integral to modern life, plastic waste poses significant challenges to ecosystems and human health. However, in the past three decades there has been a surge in inventions to recover and recycle plastic waste, promoting a more circular economy.
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Technologies for plastics waste management - report
This technology insight report explores five decades of technology trends in plastic waste management, offering insights into the patenting behaviour of large applicants, as well as that of emerging startups and the research sector in the field.
Technology platform on plastics in transition
This EPO technology platform helps practitioners and policymakers to keep track of the ongoing transformation in plastics in real time.
Plastics in figures
413.2 million
plastic output in metric tonnes worldwide
8.9%
of plastics output derives from recycled plastic
EUR 5.4 bn
estimated value of global smart waste management market in 2026
Q&A – Insights from the EPO
- I have been separating my plastic waste for most of my life now. Is there a great deal of innovation going on?
Plastic waste management (PWM) is decades old. However, as of 2015 there has been explosive growth in PWM inventions, far outpacing the average for all other technical fields. This trend is not only visible for plastic waste recovery, but also for plastic recycling into new plastic products.
- Where does most innovation in plastics waste management take place?
Europe has always been very strong in plastics waste management (PWM). At the end of the 1990s, Asia markedly increased its innovative output in this area. For the last 20 years, even during the strong growth in the field over the last 10 years, the distribution of inventions coming from the different continents has been remarkably stable, with Europe in the lead at approximately 40‑45% and North America and Asia contributing with 25‑30% respectively.
- Where are the hotspots of inventive activity in startups and universities in Europe in the field of plastics waste management?
The geographical distribution of European startups and universities is not identical. The highest number of startups was found in the United Kingdom, followed by France, Germany, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands. By contrast, France and Germany dominated the university ranking. While the United Kingdom, the Benelux region, the Upper Rhine region, Switzerland and Northern Italy have a combination of both categories of applicants, a number of coastal regions in Portugal, Spain, France and Poland show significant inventive activity by universities, but no patenting activity by local start-ups.
Publications
Dive into a collection of economic studies and insightful reports focused on plastic technologies
This report explores five decades of technology trends in plastic waste management, offering insights into the patenting behaviour of large applicants, as well as that of emerging startups and the research sector in the field.
New technologies are helping to recycle waste plastic or create bioplastics that quickly decompose, as well as providing alternatives to fossil sources to make new plastics e.g. from plants and fungi. By counting the more significant inventions, the study reveals the latest technology trends, the leading role of European and US companies, and the surprisingly high level of research and development undertaken at universities.
Innovation case studies
Explore a series of innovation case studies showcasing how companies have successfully leveraged intellectual property in the field of plastics. These real-world examples highlight the role of IP in driving growth, securing funding and fostering innovation.
As the volume of waste increases and the demand for sustainable solutions grows, the focus has turned to innovative approaches to improve the performance of material recovery facilities. One such approach has improved the identification and classification of recyclable materials. Published as part of the report "Plastics in transition."
The inventor of the renewable PEF (polyethylene furanoate), an alternative to polyester, uses methanol instead of water to turn plant sugars into furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). These FDCA monomers can be used to mass produce PEF cheaply. Published as part of the report "Plastics in transition."
Tools
Find startups and investors in your field
The Deep Tech Finder is your gateway to exploring Europe's innovation landscape. Designed for investors, researchers, startups and universities, this free tool connects you with key players in cutting-edge technology fields.
Technology platform on plastics in transition
This EPO technology platform helps practitioners and policymakers to keep track of ongoing transformations in plastics in real time.
Podcasts
Plastics in transition: tackling the waste crisis podcast
Join Marguerite McCaughan as she explores the complexities behind these processes and speaks with experts about cutting-edge solutions and the role EU policies play in promoting recycling.
Patents for tomorrow’s plastics
Patent examiners Wibke Meiser and Maxime Dossin take a close look at innovation trends in chemical and biological recycling, as well as the growth in research into plastics that can self-repair and are easier to recycle.