Aduro Clean Technologies Inc., a Canadian technology company using the power of chemistry to transform lower value feedstocks, like waste plastics, heavy bitumen, and renewable oils, into resources for the 21st century, is pleased to share exciting results from preliminary tests achieved with deconstructing crosslinked polymers, using the Company’s Hydrochemolytic™ Technology.
Crosslinked polymers are pivotal to numerous industries, thanks to their exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. They are integral to many products ranging from automotive tires to household adhesives, protective coatings, and medical devices. Their critical applications span sectors such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics, where their unique properties are indispensable. Roughly 2.5 million metric tons of XLPE is produced annually representing a $6.4 billion industry growing at 6.5% CAGR to $8.7 billion by 2028.
However, the same characteristics that make crosslinked polymers so valuable also create significant recycling challenges. Unlike thermoplastics, these materials do not melt under heat, making them difficult to recycle by traditional technologies. High-temperature technology processes typically result in char and fuel gas, which are unsuitable for repurposing into new materials. This challenge underscores the pressing need for innovation in chemical recycling technologies.
On March 27th, 2024, Aduro announced it engaged with a building materials manufacturing company to investigate the fate of crosslinked polymers under Hydrochemolytic™ conditions. The client provided a sample of crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), a waste stream from its local production facilities, on which Aduro investigated the application of its proprietary technology for chemical recycling of this difficult-to-recycle material.
Aduro is excited to report promising results from the preliminary tests with yields up to 84% of lower-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, predominantly in the C8 to C28 range. These results confirm the effectiveness of HCT in breaking down complex polymers like XLPE, which have high thermal stability and complex decomposition pathways, into valuable hydrocarbons.
This work not only solidifies the Aduro pathway into the building materials sector, but also opens the door to very sizeable markets for crosslinked polymers to be recycled. Now Aduro considers tire rubber and elastomeric materials as additional potential feedstock to demonstrate the versatility of HCT in chemical recycling of polymeric materials. Accordingly, the Company is actively engaged in discussions with potential engagements in these sectors.
“This milestone confirms our preliminary assessment that we can provide customizable solutions tailored to industry specific requirements. We were able to transform XLPE waste into high-quality liquid hydrocarbons, with an impressive conversion yield, enhancing the material’s lifecycle and providing a reliable feedstock for refineries. This development addresses a critical challenge in the industry and opens new avenues for sustainable material management,” commented Eric Appelman Chief Revenue Officer at Aduro.
“We established our customer engagement program to work directly with our clients to investigate and develop solutions for their specific needs,” commented Ofer Vicus, Chief Executive Officer at Aduro. “The results from the crosslinked polymer tests are very exciting. It is another example of the ability of HCT to deconstruct and create value from hard to recycle materials which have proven to be challenging for traditional approaches.”