Although Packaging Concepts Inc. has been around since 1972, it had zero patent assets for biodegradable packaging until its recent publication in April 2021. Packaging Concepts may have finally realized that it had zero protection if more competitors entered into its market. Did it make this realization a little too late? 

As of April 2021, it does not appear that there are any major companies, other than Packaging Concepts, that manufacture biodegradable popcorn packaging. In terms of patents, the Biodegradable Packaging Patent Forecast® identified two potential competitors for Packaging Concepts:  

First, two patent assets for sustainable and compostable food packaging with some description of popcorn packaging are owned by the founders of StitZii. But, StitZii appears to no longer be operating so Packaging Concepts does not need to be concerned about StitZii. 

Another patent asset directed towards a biodegradable microwave popcorn bag is assigned to Quinn Foods, LLC. Quinn Foods is still in business and generates $1.10 million in sales. Additionally, its products are sold in major retailers such as Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and The Fresh Market, thus giving it a competitive advantage over Packaging Concepts in addition to patent protection. 

In comparison to Quinn Foods, Packaging Concepts dropped the ball when it comes to developing a patent portfolio. Will Packaging Concepts try to innovate around Quinn Foods? Subscribe to the Biodegradable Packaging Patent Forecast® to stay abreast of patent activity.