#JWPBlog – The problem of plastics management – trends in the patent market
Plastics have for years dominated the consumable materials market. With their low manufacturing costs and unique physical and chemical properties, they are perfect for achieving all kinds of innovations, which are often impossible with other materials. Global plastic production currently stands at >350 million tonnes, of which Europe accounts for 16%, the USA 19% and Asia 51%. Plastic production is estimated to double every 10 years and it is therefore important to be aware of the opportunities and risks involved in introducing innovation into the production and management of plastic waste. And all the more so as, to date, some 8.7 billion tonnes of this material have been produced.
