In late May 2021, Method Products, PBC had a patent application published for a biodegradable and water soluble packaging composition. The composition appears to include a  biodegradable nonionic polysaccharide; a biodegradable ionic polysaccharide; and a plasticizer. None of these are new polymers and have been used for research since at least the early 2010s.

In the bigger picture, this application could be a strong indication of things to come from SC Johnson. Back in 2017, SC Johnson purchased two companies known for their ethical products: Method Products and Ecover. This acquisition has not gone over smoothly, as Method Products and Ecover were boycotted in 2020 because SC Johnson allegedly had links to animal testing. 

SC Johnson appears to be trending in the right direction as it has funded Plastic Bank in an effort to help clean up the ocean. This in combination with the recent Method Products’ patent application shows that SC Johnson is serious about its impact on the environment. Surprisingly, this is Method Products/SC Johnson’s first patent asset in the Biodegradable Packaging Patent Forecast® but given SC Johnson’s current direction, it’ll come as no surprise to see an uptick in filings.  Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture was listed as a co-applicant so it appears that Method Products was doing research and/or receiving financial support from the USDA for this application. 

In the UK alone, over 500,108 Tonnes of plastic packaging was used for groceries in 2019. The drive to reduce plastic consumption and its impact on the environment is increasing so check out the Biodegradable Packaging Patent Forecast® to see what other companies such as SC Johnson decide to get serious about biodegradable packaging.