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• New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling

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Can Chemical Recycling Revolutionize Farm Waste?

Aduro Clean Technologies and Cleanfarms Team Up to Explore a Circular Future for Agricultural Plastics

A Strategic Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture

Aduro Clean Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cleanfarms Inc.—also known as AgriRÉCUP in Quebec—to explore a breakthrough solution to one of farming’s most stubborn environmental challenges: unrecyclable plastic waste.

This strategic partnership aims to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of Aduro’s patented Hydrochemolytic™ Technology (HCT), a water-based chemical recycling method. Petrochemicals

HCT is capable of transforming agricultural plastic waste into valuable hydrocarbon products, while also processing heavy crude oil and renewable materials into lighter, high-value outputs.

Tackling a Growing Problem: Agricultural Plastic Waste

Across Canada, the agricultural sector generates an estimated 62,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year. Much of it—think bale wrap, silage bags, twine, and pesticide containers—either gets burned, buried, or stored indefinitely due to limited recycling options.

Globally, the issue is even more pressing. In 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations reported that about 12.5 million tonnes of plastic were used in the agricultural value chain worldwide. These materials are essential for modern farming, but their disposal presents a major environmental challenge.

Cleanfarms, a national non-profit organization leading agricultural waste recovery in Canada, is already making progress. In 2023, the organization achieved an impressive 87% recovery rate for pesticide and fertilizer containers. However, more complex plastics still lack scalable end-of-life solutions. Petrochemicals

Why Chemical Recycling Could Be a Game-Changer

Unlike traditional mechanical recycling, which struggles with contaminated or mixed-plastic streams, Aduro’s HCT offers a new path forward. By breaking down plastics into basic chemical components using water-based chemistry, this approach can turn problematic farm plastics into usable fuels and chemicals.

“Our goal is to develop a commercial pathway for difficult-to-recycle agricultural waste—streams that are often overlooked by conventional technologies,” said Ofer Vicus, CEO of Aduro Clean Technologies. “With Cleanfarms’ extensive knowledge and national supply chain, we’re setting the stage for a scalable, circular solution.”

A Multi-Phase Collaboration: From Lab to Field

The MOU outlines a carefully phased project to evaluate HCT’s suitability for farm waste recycling. Petrochemicals

The three-stage process includes both binding and non-binding phases to ensure accountability and adaptability:

• Phase A: Laboratory Feasibility Trials – Aduro will receive real-world plastic waste samples from Cleanfarms and conduct lab-scale tests. These trials will focus on preprocessing needs, feedstock compatibility, and conversion efficiency.
• Phase B: Pilot Plant Scale-Up and Process Modeling – Cleanfarms will supply larger volumes of agricultural plastics for processing at Aduro’s pilot facility. The goal is to test system performance, evaluate operational stability, and develop a detailed techno-economic and eco-efficiency model.
• Phase C: Demonstration Plant Integration (Non-Binding) – If the previous phases show promise, the project may advance to Phase C—incorporating agricultural plastics as a viable feedstock for Aduro’s upcoming Demonstration Plant. Petrochemicals

Cleanfarms’ Vision: A More Complete Circular Economy

Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms, expressed optimism about the collaboration. “Our members are actively seeking scalable solutions for agricultural plastics with limited recycling options. Evaluating chemical recycling technologies like Aduro’s is a critical step in building a more complete circular economy for Canadian agriculture.”

He added, “We’re encouraged by Aduro’s progress to date and look forward to understanding how HCT could complement or expand the recycling landscape in our sector.”

Bridging Innovation and Agriculture for a Greener Future

This partnership represents more than a technological trial—it’s a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture. By combining Aduro’s innovative chemical recycling technology with Cleanfarms’ nationwide logistics and deep sector expertise, the initiative could set a precedent for tackling plastic waste not just in Canada, but globally. Petrochemicals

As the agricultural industry faces mounting pressure to improve its environmental footprint, collaborative efforts like this offer a hopeful path forward. If successful, HCT could unlock new value streams from waste materials, reduce landfill dependency, and significantly advance the circular economy.

D&D Holding Launches €15 Million Recycling Investment Plan in Campania

A Major Push for a Circular Economy in Southern Italy

D&D Holding, a forward-thinking industrial group based in Aversa, Campania, has unveiled a robust €15 million investment plan focused on waste recycling and sustainability. Spanning the 2025–2026 period, the initiative aims to enhance local recycling infrastructure, with a strong focus on food-grade PET recovery and innovative waste-to-energy solutions. Petrochemicals

Who Is D&D Holding?

Founded in 2009, D&D Holding comprises three key players in the logistics and recycling sector:

• TD Logistic – Specializing in integrated logistics and waste management
• SRI – Sorting Recycling Industries – Experts in the recovery and recycling of plastic and packaging waste
• Giotto Circular – Providing consultancy services focused on circular economy strategies

Operating five factories and employing 160 people, the group generates an annual turnover of €30 million. Its base in Aversa has become a hub of innovation for sustainable industrial practices in Southern Italy.

PET Recycling Takes Center Stage

Upgrading to Food-Grade rPET Production

A central focus of the new investment plan is the strengthening of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) recycling, particularly to produce food-grade rPET granules. This shift reflects an alignment with evolving European regulations that demand higher standards for recycled plastics in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Petrochemicals

To meet these goals, SRI will:

• Modernize its current PET recycling line
• Build two new storage areas
• Invest approximately €8 million in total for this segment of the project

These improvements will empower SRI to manufacture regenerated PET suitable for food-contact applications. Notably, SRI is in advanced talks with major players in the beverage industry for the supply of these high-quality materials.

New Facility for Secondary Solid Fuel (CSS) Production

Turning Industrial Waste into Energy

In addition to recycling plastics, D&D Holding plans to construct a new plant dedicated to transforming industrial waste into Secondary Solid Fuel (CSS). This initiative is designed to:

• Eliminate waste from internal industrial processes
• Reduce landfill dependency
• Support chemical recycling strategies Petrochemicals

The plant will boast a treatment capacity of around 45,000 tons per year, positioning it as a cornerstone in D&D Holding’s mission to “close the loop” in industrial sustainability.

Enhanced Paper and Cardboard Recovery Lines

Beyond plastic and fuel recovery, the 2025/2026 plan includes the installation of new processing lines for paper and cardboard packaging waste. These additions will expand D&D Holding’s ability to recover valuable materials from the waste stream, reinforcing its commitment to resource optimization across all sectors.

A Vision for a Greener South

Building a Competitive, Sustainable Industrial System

Antonio Diana, President of D&D Holding, emphasized the strategic importance of this multi-pronged approach to sustainability. Petrochemicals

“The integration of sorting and recycling represents a fundamental competitive lever to assume a leading role within the new scenario,” Diana explained. “Our commitment is to create an integrated and sustainable industrial system, enhancing resources and sharing skills within the Group.”

He also highlighted the untapped economic and environmental potential of Southern Italy, calling for a stronger circular economy ecosystem that drives regional development and competitiveness. Petrochemicals

Why This Matters: Aligning with Europe’s Green Goals

D&D Holding’s initiatives align closely with the European Union’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, both of which promote:

• Reduction in raw material usage
• Increased recycling and reuse rates
• Greater responsibility for plastic waste

By investing in state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, D&D Holding positions itself not only as a regional leader but also as a model for sustainable industrial development in Europe.

Looking Ahead

With an ambitious roadmap for 2025 and 2026, D&D Holding is setting the stage for long-term impact in Campania and beyond. From food-grade PET to waste-derived fuel and paper recovery, each project underscores the group’s dedication to environmental stewardship, innovation, and community empowerment. Petrochemicals

Summary of Key Investments

Focus Area	Investment (€)	Key Outcomes
PET Recycling Upgrade	€8 million	Food-grade rPET production
New CSS Production Plant	Included	45,000 tons/year capacity
Paper & Cardboard Recovery	Not specified	Enhanced sorting capabilities

Final Thoughts: A Bold Step Toward Circular Industry

D&D Holding’s €15 million investment plan marks a significant milestone in the transition toward a zero-waste, circular industrial model in Campania. With comprehensive efforts in logistics, recycling, and consulting, the group is not only responding to environmental challenges but actively reshaping the future of sustainable manufacturing in Southern Italy.

As the world watches how local regions adapt to global green goals, D&D Holding stands out as a beacon of practical innovation and strategic vision. Petrochemicals