Monosol, a subsidiary of Kuraray, the Japanese manufacturer of chemicals and fibers, has been very aggressive in the biodegradable packaging sector. Since 2015, they have filed 25 applications in the space, most of which have to do with water-soluble films. This is more than an IP investment as well. Kuraray is wrapping up improvements to their plant in Houston, Texas, for plant-based high barrier resin production. This is part of a partnership with Sealed Air, and is aimed at the food and beverage industry. Interestingly, Sealed air has only one patent application in the space and doesn't seem to be continuing innovation.
