It is estimated that over 8 billion tons of plastic have been produced to date. The majority of these materials were produced from petroleum-based feedstocks and were not recycled at the end of their useful lifetimes.

We are inspired by the diverse efforts to shift the plastics industry on a greener footing, consistent with the circular economy.  We are not passive by-standers - we take an active interest in the field, seeking to contribute to the conversation through writing blogs and articles in trade and IP journals, attending events, and through membership of groups such as the Oxfordshire Greentech network.  Our output ranges from broad pieces on the circular plastics economy, to more tailored pieces around chemical recycling of plastics, enzymatic degradation, compostable plastics, and the challenges of recycling composite packaging materials and microplastics.

Focussing specifically on IP, we understand the particular challenges of gaining effective protection for inventions in the bioplastic field, and have has an article on Patenting Bioplastics published in bioplastics magazine on the topic.

Our clients include a range of ambitious innovator companies developing alternatives to conventional plastics and new recycling methods.  We are able to advise on a multitude of options for protecting and enforcing these innovations, and are particularly tuned in to the methods and benefits of quickly gaining protection in the UK and elsewhere, for example, using the UK Green Channel.