UPM-Kymmene. has developed a lignin-based bioplastic material for agricultural items like pots, pipes, and mulch films. The material includes lignin and a biodegradable biopolymer like PLA or PHB. The patent also covers the process of making the material and its agricultural applications. GlobalData’s report on UPM-Kymmene gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on UPM-Kymmene, Microscale biofuel reactors was a key innovation area identified from patents. UPM-Kymmene's grant share as of January 2024 was 48%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Lignin-based bioplastic material for agriculture items
A patent application (Publication Number: US20240026157A1) discloses an innovative item for agriculture made of a lignin-based bioplastic material. The material comprises a lignin fraction with specific molecular weight and phenylpropane units, along with a biodegradable biopolymer like PLA, PGA, or PHA. The weight ratio of lignin fraction to biodegradable biopolymer ranges from 5:95 to 95:5, with the lignin fraction making up to 90% of the material. The lignin fraction may also contain cellulose and cellulose-degrading enzymes. Additionally, the bioplastic material can include soil enhancers like carbonates or lignin-degrading microbes such as enzymes, bacteria, or fungi.
The item for agriculture can have either a 2D shape like mulch film or a 3D shape like a container or pipe. Depending on the shape, the thickness of the item varies from 5-200 µm for 2D items to 0.1-10 mm for 3D items. Furthermore, the rate of water-solubilization and degradation of the item can be controlled by adding specific ingredients like gelatinized starch or a water-based solution of composting-bacteria pools. This innovative agricultural item aims to provide a sustainable and biodegradable alternative for various applications in the agricultural sector, contributing to environmental conservation and reducing plastic waste.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on UPM-Kymmene, buy the report here.
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