Waste industry innovation lagging behind in the UK

As the world hunts for technological solutions to climate change, the UK waste industry has seen the number of environment patents it files fall 4% in 20 years1, according to analysis by innovation funding specialist Catax. Meanwhile, every other G7 country saw growth of at least 50% in industry patents.

The UK waste industry filed 39 eco patents in 2000, falling to 22 in 2010, before recovering slightly to 37 in 2020. Globally, environmental patents in the waste industry rose from 418 in 2000 to 831 in 2010 to 1,128 in 2020, a 170% increase in 20 years and a 36% rise in ten years. Italy’s waste industry saw the biggest rise by proportion, growing 410% in 20 years, from 9 in 2000 to 44 in 2020.

The United States’ waste industry produces the most eco patents, filing 246 of the worldwide total of 1,128 in one year, followed by Japan with 132

Nigel Holmes, Director of Tax at innovation funding specialist Catax, said: “The UK’s waste industry is underperforming compared to its G7 rivals when it comes to researching solutions to environmental issues. It is producing fewer patents than it was 20 years ago and is now creating fewer innovations in this area than the rest of the G7.

“Research into environmental technology will be vital in the battle against climate change, and the waste industry needs innovation to help it reduce emissions.

“The UK has a strong heritage of innovation, but research institutions and businesses need to make the most of government support available, which can provide the resources to make even more innovation possible.