Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. (ACT-CN) has filed a patent for a recycling technology that breaks down waste plastics and renewable oils to produce chemicals used to make paints, pharmaceuticals and plastic.

London, Ont.-based Aduro announced the patent filing covers a method of producing compounds such as benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX) and ethylbenzene. The company claims the process is simpler, more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional means of producing BTX from refined petroleum.

BTX are hydrocarbons used to make various products such as sealants and coatings, according to Aduro. They are also used as industrial solvents.

The recycling technique is based on Aduro’s previous technologies, like its patented thermocatalytic deoxygenation for renewable oils and Hydrochemolytic Technology (HCT) that processes difficult-to-recycle plastic into new feedstock. HCT can also turn vegetable and animal fats and bitumen into low-carbon fuel.

“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,” Aduro’s co-founder and principal scientist Marcus Trygstad, said in a release.

Aduro’s recycling technologies

Aduro’s technologies centre around sustainable reuse of waste. The company’s HCT breaks down long carbon chains through metal compounds in water. Such technology uses a small amount of energy and fossil fuels, Aduro’s chief revenue officer Eric Appelman told Sustainable Biz Canada in April, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Plastic wastes such as polyethylene can be transformed into a reusable liquid. Cleaner fuel can be made as well.

“We are able to take pretty dirty plastic waste and convert it in a process that is not causing much of a loss in value,” Appelman said.

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,” Aduro CEO Ofer Vicus said in the release.

Aduro’s latest partnerships, public offering attempt

In August, Aduro said it would partner with French energy company TotalEnergies on tests of a new plastic waste recycling technology, focused on feedstocks with high concentrations of contaminants such as metals and polyurethane.

That month, the company indicated it would seek to grow its intellectual property portfolio.

Aduro also filed a registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange American last month.