SAMPLE LANDSCAPE STUDY Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (NFRPC)

1. SAMPLE LANDSCAPE STUDY Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (NFRPC)

2. Contents • Introduction to NFRPC and Applications • Growth Prospects of NFRPC • Evolution of Natural Fiber Composites • Key Developments - NFRPC • Objectives for the Landscape Study • Trend Analysis and Graphical Representation • Key Technology Trends • Patent Portfolio Analysis – Technological Dissection of Patent Portfolio and Analysis of Key Granted Patents • Analysis of Key Granted Patents Assigned to Educational Institutes and Universities • Appendix A – Sources • Appendix B – Definition of IPC Classes

3. Introduction to NFRPC and Applications • Introduction • Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC) are the materials where renewable natural fibers (such as hemp, sisal, jute, kenaf, flax, etc.) are used as reinforcing material (fillers) for different kind of polymer matrices (thermoplastics, thermosettings, and biopolymers) to obtain high performance composites. • NFRPC materials recently became highly valuable materials since the reuse of waste natural fibers as reinforcement for polymer is sustainable option to the environment. • The natural fibers have the advantage that they are renewable resources and have marketing appeal as they are cheap, renewable, partially recyclable and biodegradable. • Applications • As environmentally attractive materials, natural fiber composites have been proven as an alternative to the glass reinforced or carbon reinforced polymer composites that can utility in different applications like automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, electronics, sports etc. For sources of information, please refer to Appendix 1

4. Growth Prospects for NFRPC • The NFRPCs market was worth USD 3.36 Billion, in 2015, and is projected to reach USD 6.50 Billion in 2021, expected to register a CAGR of 11.68% between 2016 and 2021.  • Government regulations and huge demand of green composites will drive the NFRPC’s market. • North America dominated the global NFRPCs market in 2017 followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe and is expected to dominate the market during 2018-2023 due to high demand from the construction industry. • The market dominance of the non-wood fiber segment is due to widespread applications of the bast fibers (flax, hemp, kenaf, jute, mesta, ramie, rosella, isora). • Germany is one of the largest producers of automobiles and a major importer of hemp in Europe. China dominated the Asia Pacific market and is likely to continue dominance over the coming years. • The companies in the industry are highly integrated from the manufacturing to distribution of finished products to various locations. Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), FlexForm Technologies (US), Procotex Sa Corporation Nv (Belgium), TecnaroGmbh. (Germany), UPM Biocomposites (US), and Trex Company, Inc (US) are some of the key players in the industry. For sources of information, please refer to Appendix 1

5. Evolution of Natural Fiber Composites For sources of information, please refer to Appendix 1

6. Key Developments - NFRPC Henry Ford developed Plant based car Global NFRPC market reached $4.46 B World’s first car made from NFRPC First time in world, NFRPC was used for a mobile phone casing - Model Name: “FOMA(R) N701iECO” 2010 2016 2017 2006 2008 1942 Ford Motors innovated a car trim bin for it’s Ford Flex CUV model Museeuw Bikes has developed first racing bike with flax – epoxy NFRPC For sources of information, please refer to Appendix 1

7. Objectives of the Landscape Study • To understand technology and prepare patent landscape • To understand major patent holders, geographical distribution of patents, top sub-technologies based on IPC codes • Analysis of patent filing trends over the years, top assignees, top patent classifications, among others • To conduct Patent Portfolio based study of patents relating to core focus area of NFRPC in the patents/ applications • Assumptions: • Report provides patent analysis for NFRPC market, which includes study of synthetic processes of NFRPCand advance technology based patents. • The landscape study focuses on patents pertaining to NFRPC’s filed between 1998-2018.

8. Trend Analysis and Graphical Representation Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

9. Filing Trends – Last 20 Years Insights Global patent filing trend analysis shows an overall rise in the number of patent applications filed in last 20 years. There is significant rise in the no. of patent applications filed from the year 2010 with highest filing in the year 2012 followed by a dip during 2013-2015. Maximum number of applications were filed from CN, followed by US and EP jurisdictions.

10. Publication Trends - Last 20 Years Insights Global patent publication trend presents a overall rise in the number of publications during last 2 decades with its peak during 2017, which suggests significant filing during 2014-2016. Total number of patents/applications published in 2018 may increase till the end of the year.

11. Top Assignee Insights Zhibang Kitchen Cabinet Co Ltd is the leading patent applicant in NFRPC materials production domain, followed by Shanghai Genius Advanced Mat and University of Tongji.

12. Top International Patent Classifications (IPCs) Insights Maximum number of applications filed during 1998-2018 corresponds to IPC class C08L relating to ‘Composition of Macromolecular Compounds’. Amongst applications filed in C08L, majority of applications were filed in technology of sub-class C08L 23/12 which relates to ‘Polypropene’. Second highest number of applications were filed in the technology covered by IPC class B32B which relates to ‘Layered products, i.e. Products Built-up of Strata of Flat or Non-flat, e.g. Cellular or Honeycomb, form. Amongst applications filed in B32B, 30% of applications were filed in technology of sub-class B32B 09/02 which relates to the ‘Comprising animal or Vegetable substances ’. Third highest number of application were filed in the technology covered by IPC class C08J which related to “Working Up; General Process of Compounds;”. # For IPC sub-class definitions please refer to Appendix 2.

13. Geographic Origin of Innovation Insights Analysis of Geographic Origin of Innovation (i.e. priority country) demonstrates that maximum number of innovations originated from CN followed by DE and JP jurisdictions. Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

14. Key Technological Trends Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

15. PATENT FOCUS AND APPLICATION AREA Insights Maximum percentage of applications (73%) were focused on technological process of NFRPC production. 48% of patents are related to automobiles sector followed by wood substitute products for homes and kitchen and materials used in construction.

16. Natural Fiber and Polymer Type Insights Maximum applications (71%) were filed where materials are produced using bamboo as natural fiber followed by generic fibers and hemp. Polypropylene is the polymer matrix that is used in highest no of patents to produce NFRPC followed by Polyester and Polyethylene .

17. Patent Portfolio Analysis Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

18. Patent Portfolio Analysis – GENIUS Company Profile Shanghai Genius Advanced Material (Group) Co., Ltd. is a company dedicated to engineering plastics, advanced composite materials, polymer research & development, and manufacturing. Product Dissection of Patent Portfolio NF = Cotton, Flax, Hemp, Jute, Bamboo, Sisal, Kenaf etc.

19. Patent Portfolio Analysis – GENIUS Application-wise Dissection of Patent Portfolio

20. Patent Portfolio Analysis – GENIUS Key Patents: US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin CANON Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

21. Patent Portfolio Analysis – CHANGCHUN BOCHAO AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO LTD Company Profile Changchun Bo Chao is one of the key enterprise which has achieved the ability of producing high-surface-density natural fiber composite materials in China. It has become the preferred natural fiber material supplier of composites-producing companies. Low-Pressure-Natural-Fiber, an absolutely environment friendly material with features of renewable natural fiber reinforced, supper machinability, wide applications. Technological Dissection of Patent Portfolio

22. Patent Portfolio Analysis – CHANGCHUN BOCHAO AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO LTD Product–wise Dissection of Patent Portfolio NF = Cotton, Flax, Hemp, Jute, Bamboo, Sisal, Kenaf etc Application-wise Dissection of Patent Portfolio

23. Patent Portfolio Analysis – CHANGCHUN BOCHAO AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO LTD Key Patents: US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate US20090124763Method of synthesis, PEF having a furan ring Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

24. Patent Portfolio Analysis- Faurecia Company Profile Faurecia is the 6th largest international automotive parts manufacturer in the world; in 2013 it was #1 for vehicle interiors and emission control technology. One in four automobiles is equipped by Faurecia. It designs and manufactures seats, exhaust systems, interior systems (dashboards, centre consoles, door panels, acoustic modules) and decorative aspects of a vehicle (aluminum, wood). Technological Dissection of Patent Portfolio Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

25. Patent Portfolio Analysis – Faurecia Key Patents: Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

26. Analysis of Key Granted Patent Assigned to Educational Institutes and Universities Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

27. Granted Patents Analysis – Institutes & Universities US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate US20090124763Method of synthesis, PEF having a furan ring EP2252645B1 Polyester resin used for producing a molded article Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

28. Granted Patents Analysis – Institutes & Universities US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate US20090124763Method of synthesis, PEF having a furan ring Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

29. Granted Patents Analysis – Institutes & Universities US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate US20090124763Method of synthesis, PEF having a furan ring EP2252645B1 Polyester resin used for producing a molded article Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

30. Granted Patents Analysis – Other Companies US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate US20090124763Method of synthesis, PEF having a furan ring EP2252645B1 Polyester resin used for producing a molded article Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

31. Granted Patents Analysis – Other Companies US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate EP2252645B1 Polyester resin used for producing a molded article Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

32. APPENDIX 1: SOURCES • https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/natural-fiber-composites-market-90779629.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1uzy1e-l3AIVUVmGCh1HDgsNEAAYASAAEgJjLPD_BwE • https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180509006307/en/Global-Natural-Fiber-Reinforced-Composites-Markets-2023 • https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/natural-fiber-composites-market • http://tpac.geniuscn.com/about.php • http://www.bochaoautoparts.com/en/about/?152.html • http://www.faurecia.com/en • https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natural-fiber-composites-market-worth-583-billion-by-2019-285331091.html • https://www.slideserve.com/seoras/food-and-agriculture-organization • https://www.lucintel.com/lucintelbrief/potentialofnaturalfibercomposites-final.pdf • http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/museeuw-flax-carbon-racing-bikes-launched-in-the-us • https://www.plasticstoday.com/automotive-and-mobility/worlds-first-car-made-bio-composites-makes-global-debut/191672795856951 US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate EP2252645B1 Polyester resin used for producing a molded article Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

33. APPENDIX 2: DEFINITION OF IPC CLASSES US7741389B2 Resin composition containing a polyalkylene furan dicarboxylate resin and a porphyrin compound US8981037B2 PEF used in preparation of a polyester resin US20120258299 PEF is used in preparation of a polyester resin EP2257596B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate CANON EP2235100B1 Resin composition containing polyethylene furandicarboxylate US20090124763Method of synthesis, PEF having a furan ring EP2252645B1 Polyester resin used for producing a molded article Patent Searching | Research and Analytics | Patent Prosecution/Preparation Support | Litigation and E-Discovery | IP Valuation | Patent Portfolio Watch

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