Environmental Impact of Ethanol - Converting land for corn ethanol production can generate 25% more carbon emissions than gasoline [1] - Producing enough compostable plastics to replace current packaging would require over half the world's corn supply and more water than all of Europe uses in a year [5] Sustainability Assessment Framework - A product's environmental sustainability should be evaluated based on its resource consumption (water, land, energy, raw materials) [8] - Disposal methods and potential long-term waste or toxicity issues must be considered [8][9] - Solutions should be better than the current practices or doing nothing at all, acknowledging trade-offs [4][9] Electric Vehicle (EV) Evolution - Manufacturing an EV can generate up to 80% more carbon emissions than making a conventional car, primarily due to battery material mining and processing [17] - Early EVs in the 1990s required the same energy to drive one mile as heating a one-bedroom apartment for 15 minutes [12] - On-road emissions of EVs depend on the electricity source, with lower carbon footprints in regions dominated by hydropower [18] - Repurposing old EV batteries for stationary energy storage (e g, powering street lights, stadiums) is emerging as a valuable application [16] Achieving Sustainable Solutions - Lasting change requires alignment among policymakers, industries (automotive, battery, electronics), academia, investors, and consumers [21][22] - Applying the sustainability assessment framework early on can accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies like sustainable aviation fuels and biodegradable plastics [23]

Core Viewpoint - Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. has engaged Delphi to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its Hydrochemolytic™ technology for waste plastic processing, aiming to quantify its environmental performance and support its commercialization strategy [1][2][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Aduro Clean Technologies is focused on transforming lower-value feedstocks, such as waste plastics and heavy bitumen, into valuable resources using patented water-based technologies [7][8]. - The Hydrochemolytic™ technology operates at relatively low temperatures and costs, positioning it as a game-changing approach in the clean technology sector [8]. Group 2: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Details - The LCA will begin with a screening-level assessment focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use, following ISO 14040 and 14044 frameworks [3][4]. - Subsequent phases will incorporate operational data from the Next Generation Process (NGP) pilot plant, leading to a comprehensive ISO-compliant assessment of all life cycle stages [4]. - The final phase is expected to benchmark the Hydrochemolytic™ process against other chemical recycling methods, providing a comparative analysis of environmental impacts [4]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The LCA is part of Aduro's strategic roadmap to align its innovation strategy with the expectations of regulators, customers, and investors in the circular economy [3][5]. - Engaging a reputable firm like Delphi for the LCA work is intended to provide credible, third-party-reviewed information that can enhance stakeholder engagement and operational efficiency [2][5].