Aduro Clean Technologies Inc., a clean technology company using the power of chemistry to transform lower value feedstocks, including waste plastics, heavy bitumen, and renewable oils, into resources for the 21st century, today announced a new patent filing covering a new technology for transforming renewable oils and certain waste plastics into higher-value platform chemicals.
“The new patent application marks significant progress towards a key objective set out by Aduro at the beginning of the year, the expansion of the Company’s technology and intellectual property position,” said Ofer Vicus, CEO of Aduro. “It underscores our scientists’ ability and commitment to pursuing value through innovative solutions, enabling us to explore new potential market opportunities. This achievement also highlights our dedication to developing and commercializing sustainable technologies aimed to address growing global concerns for the environment and circularity.”
This new patent application filing introduces an innovative and efficient method for producing alkyl aromatic compounds, including benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX), and ethylbenzene, from waste plastics and renewable oils. This process is not only simpler, more efficient, and more cost-effective compared to traditional BTX production from refined petroleum but also builds on the Company’s previously developed and patented thermocatalytic deoxygenation (TCD) technology for upgrading renewable oils. Additionally, it leverages insights gained from the Company’s experience with Hydrochemolytic™ Technology (HCT) for chemical recycling of waste plastic resulting in a robust solution that enhances circularity and sustainability.
BTX compounds are essential building blocks for a wide array of high-value chemicals and materials, including plastics, paints, sealants, coatings, and pharmaceuticals. Aromatic chemicals like BTX are key building blocks, accounting for 40% of petrochemical production by volume. According to Reports and Data, the global BTX market is forecasted to reach a potential US$274.78 billion by 2027. With growing demand, particularly in emerging economies, the emphasis on technological innovation and sustainability becomes increasingly vital.
The Aduro invention, which produces BTX from renewable and waste sources, presents what could be a transformative opportunity for sustainable chemical production. This innovation not only aims to reduce dependence on petroleum but also to promote circularity within the industry.
“This new patent application filing formally expands the Aduro ‘Clean Technologies’ theme beyond its unique Hydrochemolytic™ technology platform. Importantly, it signals the Company’s mission and the capability of our scientists and engineers to continue developing consequential, new technology,” said Marcus Trygstad, Co-Founder and Principal Scientist at Aduro. Trygstad added, “This new innovation reinforces that Aduro is committed to becoming a force in the sustainability arena where waste plastics and renewable feedstocks are transformed into materials needed by society. It’s who we are and it’s what we do.”
This advancement marks a significant step for Aduro in its journey towards enabling circularity within the chemical sector. By offering a promising sustainable method for producing BTX, Aduro’s innovation aims to open new opportunities to meet the industry’s increasing demand for low-carbon chemical production. As the pressure to decarbonize intensifies, this technology positions the Company to explore new pathways for addressing these critical challenges.
