Research looks to cut the cost of sorting plastics scrap

Canadian firm Aduro Clean Technologies has joined forces with the University of Western Ontario in a CA$ 1.2 million (EUR 882 000) R&D project to advance plastics recycling.

Aduro has patented water-based technologies to chemically recycle plastics and to transform heavy crude and renewable oils into resources and high-value fuels. Its expertise will support the work led by academic Dr. Paul Charpentier over the next three years.

The objective of the research is to evaluate the effects of contaminants in plastic feedstocks, including food, organic waste, plasticisers and fillers, under varying conditions to maximise output, quality and yield. The project also aims to improve pre-and post-processing techniques.

The commercial goal is to develop strategies to minimise the costs of sorting and separation systems during pre-processing. The initiative is expected to augment Aduro’s patented hydrochemolytic process for the chemical recycling of mixed post-consumer industrial and consumer plastics.

‘The project is a great opportunity to again collaborate with Aduro,’ says Charpentier. ‘Our work will also support the advanced training of many graduate students and post-doctoral fellows who will be the research and industry leaders of tomorrow in chemical recycling.’