Aduro Clean achieves breakthrough in turning waste plastics into high-value steam cracker feedstock

The trials demonstrated that Aduro’s Hydrochemolytic Technology can convert mixed waste plastics into high-purity hydrocarbon liquids

Aduro Clean Technologies, a leader in transforming low-value feedstocks into next-generation resources, has successfully completed pilot-scale steam-cracking trials that could revolutionize the circular plastics industry.

The trials, conducted at a European pilot facility by a global expert in large-scale petrochemical steam cracking, demonstrated that Aduro’s Hydrochemolytic Technology (HCT) can convert mixed waste plastics into high-purity hydrocarbon liquids suitable for direct use in steam crackers—without costly pre-treatment or dilution.

Steam crackers, the backbone of plastics production, require feedstocks of exceptionally high purity. Traditional chemical recycling oils often need extensive upgrading, adding cost and environmental impact. Aduro’s HCT oil, however, achieved stable furnace operation with yields of ethylene and propylene comparable to fossil-derived feedstocks—marking a major third-party validation of the technology.

“This trial shows that our Hydrochemolytic oil can meet the strict performance needs of commercial steam crackers without additional hydrotreatment,” said Ofer Vicus, CEO of Aduro. “It’s a critical step toward simplifying the pathway from waste plastics to high-quality circular plastics while reducing cost and environmental footprint.”

The mixed plastic feedstock used—comprising polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, PET, and polyamide—was transformed into a liquid hydrocarbon product with higher saturation, lower impurities, and a narrower boiling range than typical chemical recycling oils. These properties enable direct integration into existing cracking operations, cutting capital and operational costs for downstream operators.

The results signal strong potential for Aduro’s technology to bridge the gap between waste plastics and virgin-quality plastics, providing both economic and environmental advantages. Aduro now plans to expand collaborations with global partners to explore scalability and industrial integration.