Sharp rise in the number of inventions aimed at combating plastic waste: Europe in the lead

A new analysis report from the European Patent Office (EPO) reveals the latest technological trends in the recovery and recycling of plastic waste.

While plastics are an integral part of modern life, their waste poses significant challenges to ecosystems and health. However, over the past three decades, a wave of inventions designed for the recovery and recycling of plastic waste has moved our societies toward a more circular economy.

An analytical report by the EPO's Patent and Technology Observatory reveals the latest trends in the growing field of plastic waste management. 
With Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom making significant progress, Europe has consistently led the way in innovation in plastic waste management.
Patent data also shows some growth in the startup and university sector.

The startup ranking is dominated by companies from the United Kingdom, followed by France, Germany, and Sweden. Among the most active universities in this field, those located in France and Germany submitted the most applications.

The publication of this report is accompanied by a new platform which provides a map of technologies for recovering and recycling plastic waste as well as those relating to substitute plastics. 

This platform aims to facilitate access to patent information and further stimulate innovation in these areas.

The tool Deep Tech Finder, which connects investors and inventors, has been updated to include profiles of 145 European startups and universities, representing 306 European patent applications in the fields of plastic waste recovery, plastic waste recycling and alternative plastics.
 

Source: https://www.inpi.fr//en/sharp-rise-in-the-number-of-inventions-designed-to-combat-plastic-waste--with-Europe-leading-the-way