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Why chemicals matter to the future of materials

March 6, 2023 5-MINUTE READ

RESEARCH REPORT

In brief

Innovation trends driving change

The convergence of material classes

In 1980, 70% of materials-related patents cited just one material, and 6% cited three or more. Jumping ahead to 2020, 46% of patents cited one material, whereas 24% cited three or more.

The convergence of material and digital properties

In 1980, just 4% of materials-related patents referred to smart and digital properties (e.g., self-healing, dielectric, memory). That figure increased to 24% by 2020.

A shift to sustainability

In 1980, just over 2% of multi-material patents mentioned a sustainability focus, including attributes such as recyclable and biodegradable. By 2020, that number had climbed to almost 9%.

Preparing for growth

Taking the next steps

Dr. Bernd Elser

Senior Managing Director – Global Lead for Chemicals and Natural Resources


Contributors

Dr. Paul Böhm

STRATEGY SENIOR MANAGER – CHEMICALS AND NATURAL RESOURCES


Sean Keenan

SENIOR PRINCIPAL – NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH LEAD