The Biodegradable Packaging Patent Forecast® tells us that BASF and Kimberly-Clark have basically dropped off the map in terms of biodegradable packaging activity.
BASF has 105 patent documents in the past 10 years, 53 patent documents in the past 5 years, only 12 patent documents in the past 3 years, and only 1 patent document in 2021. Kimberly-Clark has 79 patent documents in the past 10 years, 26 patent documents in the past 5 years, and only 1 patent document in the past 3 years!
Unfortunately, it is currently unclear as to what direction BASF and Kimberly-Clark are headed. Kimberly-Clark appears more focused on absorbent articles and BASF appears focused on carbon management, 3D printing services, and polyamides. Additionally, Kimberly-Clark had $4.8 billion dollars in net sales during the fourth quarter of 2020 so it appears to have a strong hold on the market and may not feel compelled to continue growing its patent portfolio in the biodegradable packing sector.
The Biodegradable Packaging Forecast® will stay on top of any patent activity by BASF and Kimberly Clark. Patent activity generally proceeds any major market activity so stay one step ahead of the competition by subscribing here.