Bio-based Materials Enter Technology Explosion

        With the escalation of the global plastic ban, the biodegradable materials market is experiencing a technological iteration from the dominance of PLA (polylactic acid) to the rise of PHA (polyhydroxy fatty acid esters). According to Grand View Research, the global PHA market is expected to exceed $150 million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 28.4%, with the core driving force coming from innovative patented technologies.

1. Patent US20240123456: PHA and cellulose nanocrystalline composite technology

Holder: Danimer Scientific, USA

Core Innovation:

Enhancement of PHA’s mechanical properties by cellulose nanocrystalline, tensile strength increased by 300%

Maintains 100% marine degradation (ASTM D6691 certified)

Application Scenarios:

Replacement of nylon nets in fisheries (actual measurement) (seawater degradation time <6 months)

2024 has been purchased by Patagonia and other outdoor brands.

2. Patent EP4125678B1: Low Temperature Processing of PLA Film Technology

Holder: BASF, Germany

Breakthrough:

Processing temperature is reduced from the conventional 180℃ to 130℃, energy consumption is reduced by 40%

Solve the problem of PLA heat sealing, the sealing strength is up to 3.5N/15mm (comparable to PE)

Commercial Progress:

Has been applied to the inner layer of the Nestle’s coffee capsule film

The capacity of the project is expected to be expanded to 100,000 tons by 2025 /year

3. Patent WO2024234567: Gene-edited strain for large-scale production of PHA

Holder: Bluepha, China

Technology highlights:

Improved production of PHA in seawater medium by halophilic bacteria, cost reduced by 60%

Fermentation cycle shortened to 36 hrs (traditionally 5-7 days)

Industrial Impact:

World’s first process to achieve PHA price <$3/kg

Collaboration with Meituan to develop take-away meal boxes for 2024Q3 volume production Collaboration with Meituan to develop takeaway lunch boxes, mass production 2024Q3

4. Patent JP2024501234: PLA/PHA co-blended foam

Holder: Kaneka Corporation, Japan

Value of Innovation:

Compostability maintained even with 15 times foaming multiplication (OK Compost certified)

Replacement of EPS foam for cold-chain packaging, with a 20% increase in heat preservation

Measured data:

Completely degraded under industrial composting conditions in 90 days

Has been used for Shiseido high-end cosmetic packaging

5. Patent KR1020240012345: In vivo degradable PHA medical suture

Holder: CJ Biomaterials, South Korea

Medical grade breakthrough:

Degradation rate can be regulated (4 weeks to 12 months)

ISO 10993 biocompatibility certified

Clinical advancement:

FDA Class III medical device approval by 2024

Expected to replace $800M PGLA Sutures Market

Three major predictions for the bio-based materials industry in 2024

PHA capacity blowout: global capacity under construction exceeds 500,000 tons, with China accounting for 60% of the total

Medical applications explode: degradable implant patents increase 35% annually (McKinsey data)

Policy catalyst: the EU proposes to include PHA in the SUP exemption list