Some 27,337 patents concerning polypropylene (PP) – the most widely employed fibre in the nonwovens industry – have been filed between 2010 and 2024, with over 18,000 of them registered by Chinese companies and institutes, according to a new report from Dublin-headquartered Research and Markets.

The accelerating trend in patent filings, particularly from 2021, indicates an increasing commitment to innovation across sectors such as automotive, packaging and healthcare.

China is followed by the United States with 2,788 patents, while European countries also maintain a steady presence in contributing to advances in PP applications.

The key areas covered by patents relate to polymerization processes, high-performance PP grades and sustainable recycling innovations, with developments such as advanced catalysts, high-impact grades and chemical recycling methods central to enhancing product performance and market adaptability.

Leading players in the PP industry include Borealis, Kingfa, LyondellBasell, SABIC and Sinopec, SABIC who dominate patent activities with focused research on high-performance materials, biodegradable compounds and energy-efficient production methods. Borealis, for example, is a pioneer in polymerisation technologies, while Sinopec has a focus on sustainability through advanced refining and recycling processes.

The report also emphasises the role of strategic collaborations, as companies partner with research institutions and other industry leaders to drive technological progress.

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