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News article19 October 2021

Study: Patents for tomorrow’s plastics

A new study recently published by the European Patent Office (EPO) shows how innovation can provide the key to reduce the great cost non-reusable plastics had on the environment over the past century.

Over the past 70 years, plastics have been an essential material for many industries and for the economy. However, there is growing awareness of the high environmental cost of this economic success. To cope with the growing volume of plastic produced, used and dumped in today's economy, the study addresses the need of the plastics industry to transition into a fully circular model, with the help of relevant regulatory rules and innovation.

Find out more about the leading role of European and US companies and universities in the development of new plastics that are easier to recycle or compost and/or are made from non-fossil sources.

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Publication date
19 October 2021