To:
`
`Subject:
`
`Sent:
`Sent As:
`
`Puja Detjen(psdocketing@pattersonsheridan.com)
`U.S. Trademark Application Serial No. 98161120 - LIQUEFIED CIRCULAR
`GAS - - ENDG/T006US
`May 07, 2024 12:25:17 PM EDT
`tmng.notices@uspto.gov
`
`Attachments
`
`screencapture-en-wikipedia-org-wiki-Liquefied_gas-17150977647151
`screencapture-www-ecoonline-com-en-us-glossary-liquefied-gas-17150980342141
`screencapture-www-nature-com-articles-s41557-019-0226-9-17150983651721
`screencapture-www-shell-us-business-customers-shell-polymers-resources-and-insights-how-
`does-circular-economy-work-html-17150985170251
`screencapture-www-aveva-com-en-about-moments-chemicals-17150986806521
`screencapture-www-encina-com-products-17150989777461
`
`United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
`Office Action (Official Letter) About Applicant’s Trademark Application
`
`U.S. Application Serial No.  98161120
`
`Mark:   LIQUEFIED CIRCULAR GAS
`
`Correspondence Address:  
`PUJA DETJEN
`PATTERSON & SHERIDAN, LLP
`24 GREENWAY PLAZA
`SUITE 1600
`HOUSTON TX 77046
`UNITED STATES
`
`Applicant:   Encina Development Group, LLC
`
`Reference/Docket No.  ENDG/T006US
`
`Correspondence Email Address:   psdocketing@pattersonsheridan.com
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NONFINAL OFFICE ACTION
`
`Response deadline.  File a response to this nonfinal Office action within three months of the “Issue
`date” below to avoid abandonment of the application. Review the Office action and respond using one
`of the links to the appropriate electronic forms in the “How to respond” section below.
`
`Request an extension.  For a fee, applicant may request one three-month extension of the response
`deadline prior to filing a response. The request must be filed within three months of the “Issue date”
`
`

`

`below. If the extension request is granted, the USPTO must receive applicant’s response to this letter
`within six months of the “Issue date” to avoid abandonment of the application.
`
`Issue date:   May 7, 2024
`
`The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney. Applicant
`must respond timely and completely to the issue(s) below. 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(a),
`2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
`
`
`
`SEARCH OF USPTO DATABASE OF MARKS
`
`
`The trademark examining attorney has searched the USPTO database of registered and pending marks
`and has found no conflicting marks that would bar registration under Trademark Act Section 2(d). 15
`U.S.C. §1052(d); TMEP §704.02.
`
`SUMMARY OF ISSUES:
`
`
`•
`•
`•
`•
`
`Section 2(e)(1) Refusal - Merely Descriptive
`Additional Information About the Goods Required
`Identification of Goods
`Multiple-Class Application Requirements
`
`
`
`
`SECTION 2(e)(1) REFUSAL - MERELY DESCRIPTIVE
`
`
`Registration is refused because the applied-for mark merely describes a feature of applicant’s goods
`and/or services.  Trademark Act Section 2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1); see TMEP §§1209.01(b),
`1209.03 et seq.
`
` A
`
` mark is merely descriptive if it describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature,
`purpose, or use of an applicant’s goods and/or services. TMEP §1209.01(b); see, e.g., In re TriVita,
`Inc., 783 F.3d 872, 874, 114 USPQ2d 1574, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (quoting In re Oppedahl &
`Larson LLP, 373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004)); In re
`Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1297, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1421 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (citing Estate of
`P.D. Beckwith, Inc. v. Comm’r of Patents, 252 U.S. 538, 543 (1920)).
`
`In this case, applicant’s seeks registration of LIQUEFIED CIRCULAR GAS in connection with
`"chemical gas for industrial purposes."
`
`"Liquefied gas" is understood to mean "a gas that has been turned into a liquid by cooling or
`compressing it."  See the attached evidence from Wikipedia and EcoOnline.com. Further, "circular"
`when used in connection with various chemicals is used in applicant's industry to refer to essentially
`recycling goods and using the byproduct of that to create new goods instead of creating new goods. 
`See the attached evidence from Nature.com, Shell, and Aveva.  As such, applicant's mark conveys that
`applicant's goods are liquefied gasses produced from circular chemistry.  Applicant's goods are gasses
`that could be sold as liquefied goods.  Applicant is engaged in circular chemistry as applicant's website
`
`

`

`states, "Encina produces valuable circular chemicals, predominantly, BTX/P from end-of-life plastics.
`These chemicals are used by our customers to manufacture a variety of consumer products."  See the
`attached screenshot.  Accordingly, applicant's mark is, at best, merely descriptive of a feature and the
`type of the applied-for goods.
`
`Generally, if the individual components of a mark retain their descriptive meaning in relation to the
`goods and/or services, the combination results in a composite mark that is itself descriptive and not
`registrable.  In re Zuma Array Ltd., 2022 USPQ2d 736, at *7 (TTAB 2022); In re Fat Boys Water
`Sports LLC, 118 USPQ2d 1511, 1516 (TTAB 2016); TMEP §1209.03(d); see, e.g., DuoProSS
`Meditech Corp. v. Inviro Med. Devices, Ltd., 695 F.3d 1247, 1255, 103 USPQ2d 1753, 1758 (Fed. Cir.
`2012) (holding SNAP SIMPLY SAFER merely descriptive for various medical devices, such as
`hypodermic, aspiration, and injection needles and syringes); In re Fallon, 2020 USPQ2d 11249, at *12
`(TTAB 2020) (holding THERMAL MATRIX merely descriptive of a heat-responsive, malleable liner
`that is an integral component of an oral dental appliance). 
`
`Only where the combination of descriptive terms creates a unitary mark with a unique, incongruous, or
`otherwise nondescriptive meaning in relation to the goods and/or services is the combined mark
`registrable.  See In re Omniome, Inc., 2020 USPQ2d 3222, at *4 (TTAB 2019) (citing In re Colonial
`Stores, Inc., 394 F.2d 549, 551, 157 USPQ 382, 384 (C.C.P.A. 1968); In re Shutts, 217 USPQ 363,
`364-65 (TTAB 1983)); In re Positec Grp. Ltd., 108 USPQ2d 1161, 1162-63 (TTAB 2013).
`
`In this case, both the individual components and the composite result are descriptive of applicant’s
`goods and do not create a unique, incongruous, or nondescriptive meaning in relation to the goods.
`
`Accordingly, applicant’s mark is refused registration under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act.
`
`In addition to being merely descriptive, the applied-for mark appears to be generic in connection with
`the identified goods and/or services.  “A generic mark, being the ‘ultimate in descriptiveness,’ cannot
`acquire distinctiveness” and thus is not entitled to registration on either the Principal or Supplemental
`Register under any circumstances.  In re La. Fish Fry Prods., Ltd., 797 F.3d 1332, 1336, 116 USPQ2d
`1262, 1264 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (quoting H. Marvin Ginn Corp. v. Int’l Ass’n of Fire Chiefs, Inc., 782 F.2d
`987, 989, 228 USPQ 528, 530 (Fed. Cir. 1986)); see TMEP §§1209.01(c) et seq., 1209.02(a). 
`Therefore, even if applicant amended its filing basis from intent-to-use under Trademark Act Section
`1(b) to use in commerce by filing an acceptable allegation of use, the trademark examining attorney
`cannot recommend that applicant amend the application to proceed under Trademark Act Section 2(f)
`or on the Supplemental Register as possible response options to this refusal.  See TMEP §§1102.03,
`1209.01(c), 1212.09(a). 
`
`ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GOODS REQUIRED
`
`Due to the descriptive nature of the applied-for mark, applicant must provide the following information
`and documentation regarding the goods and/or services and wording appearing in the mark:
`
`
`Fact sheets, instruction manuals, brochures, advertisements and pertinent
`(1)       
`screenshots of applicant’s website as it relates to the goods and/or services in the
`application, including any materials using the terms in the applied-for mark. Merely stating
`that information about the goods and/or services is available on applicant’s website is
`insufficient to make the information of record.;
`
`
`
`

`

`If these materials are unavailable, applicant should submit similar
`(2)       
`documentation for goods and services of the same type, explaining how its own product or
`services will differ. If the goods and/or services feature new technology and information
`regarding competing goods and/or services is not available, applicant must provide a
`detailed factual description of the goods and/or services. Factual information about the
`goods must make clear how they operate, salient features, and prospective customers and
`channels of trade. For services, the factual information must make clear what the services
`are and how they are rendered, salient features, and prospective customers and channels of
`trade. Conclusory statements will not satisfy this requirement.; and
`
`
`
`(3)       
`
`
`Applicant must respond to the following questions: 
`
`•
`•
`
`Whether the applied-for gasses are or will be sold in a liquefied state
`Whether the applied-for goods are or will be produced using circular
`chemicals or circular chemistry as described on the previously discussed section of
`applicant's website
`
`
`See 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §§814, 1402.01(e).
`
`If applicant submits webpage evidence to satisfy this requirement, applicant must provide (1) an image
`of the webpage, (2) the date it was accessed or printed, and (3) the complete URL address. In re ADCO
`Indus.-Techs., L.P., 2020 USPQ2d 53786, at *2 (TTAB 2020) (citing In re I-Coat Co., 126 USPQ2d
`1730, 1733 (TTAB 2018)); TMEP §710.01(b). Providing only a website address or hyperlink to the
`webpage is not sufficient to make the materials of record. In re ADCO Indus.-Techs., L.P., 2020
`USPQ2d 53786, at *2 (citing In re Olin Corp., 124 USPQ2d 1327, 1331 n.15 (TTAB 2017); In re HSB
`Solomon Assocs., LLC, 102 USPQ2d 1269, 1274 (TTAB 2012); TBMP §1208.03); TMEP §814.
`
`Applicant has a duty to respond directly and completely to this requirement for information. See In re
`Ocean Tech., Inc., 2019 USPQ2d 450686, at *2 (TTAB 2019) (citing In re AOP LLC, 107 USPQ2d
`1644, 1651 (TTAB 2013)); TMEP §814. Failure to comply with a requirement for information is an
`independent ground for refusing registration. In re SICPA Holding SA, 2021 USPQ2d 613, at *6
`(TTAB 2021) (citing In re Cheezwhse.com, Inc., 85 USPQ2d 1917, 1919 (TTAB 2008); In re DTI
`P’ship LLP, 67 USPQ2d 1699, 1701-02 (TTAB 2003); TMEP §814).
`
`IDENTIFICATION OF GOODS
`
`The wording “chemical gas for industrial purposes” in the identification of goods for International
`Class 1 must be clarified because it is too broad and could include goods in other international classes.
`See 37 C.F.R. §2.32(a)(6); TMEP §§1402.01, 1402.03. In particular, this wording could encompass
`chemicals being liquefied gasses for industrial purposes in Class 1 as well as liquefied petroleum gasses
`for industrial purposes in Class 4.
`
`
`Applicant may substitute the following wording, if accurate (changes in bold):
`
`Class 1:  Chemical gas for industrial purposes, namely, {indicate specific good(s) properly classified
`in Class 1 e.g., chemicals being liquefied gasses for industrial purposes}
`
`Class 4:  Chemical gas for industrial purposes, namely, {indicate specific good(s) properly classified
`
`

`

`in Class 4 e.g., petroleum liquefied gasses for industrial purposes}
`
`
`
`Applicant may amend the identification to clarify or limit the goods and/or services, but not to broaden
`or expand the goods and/or services beyond those in the original application or as acceptably amended.
`See 37 C.F.R. §2.71(a); TMEP §1402.06. Generally, any deleted goods and/or services may not later be
`reinserted. See TMEP §1402.07(e).
`
`For assistance with identifying and classifying goods and services in trademark applications, please see
`the USPTO’s online searchable U.S. Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual. See
`TMEP §1402.04.
`
`MULTIPLE-CLASS APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
`
`The application identifies goods and/or services that are classified in at least two classes; however,
`applicant submitted a fee sufficient for only one class. In a multiple-class application, a fee for each
`class is required. 37 C.F.R. §2.86(a)(2), (b)(2); TMEP §§810.01, 1403.01. For more information about
`adding classes to an application, see the Multiple-class Application webpage.
`
`Therefore, applicant must either (1) restrict the application to the number of classes covered by the fees
`already paid, or (2) submit the fees for each additional class.
`
`The fee for adding classes to a TEAS Standard application is $350 per class. See 37 C.F.R.
`§2.6(a)(1)(iii). For more information about adding classes to an application, see the Multiple-class
`Application webpage.
`
`The application identifies goods and/or services in more than one international class; therefore,
`applicant must satisfy all the requirements below for each international class based on Trademark Act
`Section 1(b):
`
`
`(1)   List the goods and/or services by their international class number in consecutive
`numerical order, starting with the lowest numbered class.
`
`(2)   Submit a filing fee for each international class not covered by the fee(s) already paid
`(view the USPTO’s current fee schedule).  The application identifies goods and/or services that
`are classified in at least two classes; however, applicant submitted a fee(s) sufficient for only one
`class.  Applicant must either submit the filing fees for the classes not covered by the submitted
`fees or restrict the application to the number of classes covered by the fees already paid.
`
`
`See 37 C.F.R. §2.86(a); TMEP §§1403.01, 1403.02(c).
`
`For an overview of the requirements for a Section 1(b) multiple-class application and how to satisfy the
`requirements online using the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) form, see the
`Multiple-class Application webpage.
`
`ASSISTANCE 
`
`Please call or email the assigned trademark examining attorney with questions about this Office action.
`
`

`

`Although an examining attorney cannot provide legal advice, the examining attorney can provide
`additional explanation about the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this Office action. See TMEP
`§§705.02, 709.06.
`
`The USPTO does not accept emails as responses to Office actions; however, emails can be used for
`informal communications and are included in the application record. See 37 C.F.R. §§2.62(c), 2.191;
`TMEP §§304.01-.02, 709.04-.05.
`
`
`How to respond.   File a response form to this nonfinal Office action or file a request form for an
`extension of time to file a response.  
`
`
`
`/Michael Eisnach/
`Michael Eisnach
`Examining Attorney
`Law Office 104
`United States Patent & Trademark Office
`(571) 272-2592
`Michael.Eisnach@USPTO.GOV
`
`RESPONSE GUIDANCE
`
`
`
`•
`
`•
`
`•
`
`Missing the deadline for responding to this letter will cause the application to abandon.  A
`response or extension request must be received by the USPTO before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
`of the last day of the response deadline.  Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS)
`system availability could affect an applicant’s ability to timely respond.  For help resolving
`technical issues with TEAS, email TEAS@uspto.gov.
`
`Responses signed by an unauthorized party are not accepted and can cause the application to
`abandon.  If applicant does not have an attorney, the response must be signed by the individual
`applicant, all joint applicants, or someone with legal authority to bind a juristic applicant.  If
`applicant has an attorney, the response must be signed by the attorney.
`
`If needed, find contact information for the supervisor of the office or unit listed in the
`signature block.
`
`

`

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`Liquefied natural gas
`References
`See also
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`Liquefied gas
`
`Article
`Talk
`From Wikipedia,the free encyclopedia
`Liquefied gas (sometimes referredto as liquid gas)is a gas that has beenturnedinto a liquid by cooling or compressingit. Examplesof liquefied gases
`includeliquid air, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas.
`
`Sq 2languages v
`Edit View history Tools v
`
`Read
`
`Liquid air {ecit)
`Main article: Liquid air
`liquid air has been brought into use as an agent in biological research. An inquiry into theintracellular
`AttheListerInstitute of Preventive Medicine,
`constituents ofthe typhoid bacillus,initiated underthe direction of DoctorAllan Macfadyen, necessitated the separationofthe cell-plasmaofthe
`organism, The method at first adopted for the disintegration ofthe bacteria was to mix them with silver-sand and churn the whole up in a closed vesselin
`which a seriesof horizontal vanes revolved at a high speed. But certain disadvantages attached to this procedure, and accordingly some means was
`soughtto do away with the sandandtriturate the bacilli per se. This was foundin liquid air, which, as had long before been shownat the Royal
`Institution, has the powerof reducing materials like grass or the leavesof plants to sucha state of brittleness that they can easily be powderedin a
`mortar. Byits aid a complete trituration of the typhoid bacilli has been accomplished at the JennerInstitute, and the sameprocess,already applied with
`successalsoto yeast cells and animalcells, is being extended in otherdirections.
`Whenairis liquefied the oxygen andnitrogen are condensed simultaneously, However, owingtoits greatervolatility the latter boils off the more quickly of
`the two, so that the remaining liquid becomes gradually richer and richer in oxygen.
`
`Liquefied natural gas {ecit)
`Wain article: Liquefied natural gas
`Liquefied natural gas is natural gas that has been liquefied for the purposeof storageor transport. Since transportation of natural gas requires a large
`network of pipeline that crosses through variousterrains and oceans,a huge investment and long term planning are required. Before transport, natural
`gas is liquefied by pressurization. Theliquefied gas is then transported through tankers with specialairtight compartments. Whenthe tanks are opened
`andtheliquid exposed to atmospheric pressure,theliquid boils off from the latent heatof theairorits container.
`
`References[exit
`@ Thisarticle incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Dewar, James (1911). "Liquid Gases".
`Encyclopaedia Britannica. Vol. 16 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 744-759.
`
`In Chisholm, Hugh (€d.).
`
`See also {edit}
`« Liquid oxygen
`« Liquid nitrogen
`« Liquid hydrogen
`e Liquid helium
`Categories: Laboratory techniques | Cryogenics
`
`This nadewas lastedited on 10 December2021. at 18:07 (UTC)
`
`

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`at 11:07:30, 05/07/2024
`
`t
`
`AO esceT
`
`HEALTH & SAFETY GLOSSARY
`
`Liquefied Gas
`
`3) EcoOnline
`
`Solutions +
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`iSCrcvelpesteed
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`About +
`
`Search Q
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`veretish
`ih
`https://www.ecoonliné.com/en-us/glossary/liquefied-gas
`
`WhatIs Liquefied Gas?
`
`

`

`WhatIs Liquefied Gas?
`
`Liquefied Gas
`
`WhatIs Liquefied Gas?
`Liquefied gasses are gasesthat are ina liquid state at normal room temperature andstored in
`cylinders under pressure. Common examplesof liquefied gases include nitrous oxide, anhydrous
`ammonia,chlorine, propane, and carbon dioxide.
`
`Thesegasesare generally storedin a cylinder, with a bit of gasfilling the spacejust abovethe liquid
`gas. Liquefiedpetroleumgas(LPG) is generally available as propane, butane, or sometimes as a
`mixture of each.It is a colourless odourlessliquid. Odorants are often added to such gases to detect
`any leak.
`
`Liquefied petroleum gasis often used as fuel in many industrial applications. LPG is highly
`flammable, and becauseits denserthanair,it tends to settle in low spots such as basements or
`drains, resulting in a suffocation hazard orincreasing the risk of explosion.
`
`It’s important to notethat if LPG contains more than 0.1% Butadiene,it is also classified as a
`mutagen anda carcinogen.It is commonly used aslighterfuel, as a refrigerant, as a propellant, and
`is a widely used alternative to gasoline. In manyindustries, LPG is a necessary substance required
`for the production of plastics or other chemicals.
`
`~
`
`

`

` There manyrisks associated with liquefied gas. Is your business safe and secure?
`
`How Is LPG Made and Transported?
`Liquefied petroleumgas is made whencrude oil is refined or by processingnaturalgases. After
`further refinement, the LPG is renamedaseither butane or propane, and in somecases, a mixtureof
`the two.
`
`Afterit’s refined, LPG is transported in larger vessels or gas cylinders. These cylinders are often
`loadedin trucks and transportedin bulk quantities, which is different from naturalgas, as thatis
`transportedthroughpipelines.
`
`In most cases, LPG exists as a vaporor a liquid whenit is pressurized and storedin cylinders or
`tanks.
`
`Minimise Risk Of Hazardous
`Materials
`Encourage employeesand contractors to follow 5 key steps
`in helping to reducerisk related to chemicals and dangerous
`substances. Let's work together!
`
`Download Your FREE Poster Today
`
`The ManySafety Risks of Liquefied
`Dateranlaiim Cac
`
`

`

`POolurvloulll Uas
`
`The use of LPGin industrial applications often poses various risks. When working with LPG or other
`compressed gases, the risks are two-fold: those posed by the gasitself, and risks posed by the gas
`cylinders.
`
`Here are someof the most commonsafetyrisks and hazards when dealing with LPG:
`
`Riskof leaking: LPG is transported afterliquefactionin different size vessels. In some cases,
`LPG is moved through pressurized pipes. Thereis alwaysa risk of leakage in the pipes or the
`vessel, causinga serious safety riskanddisruption at work.
`Risk of explosion: As mentioned, LPG is highly flammable, so there's always a risk of explosion
`when thegasstarts accumulating in a closed space. As soon as a sourceof ignition comes into
`contact, it lights up. LPG cylinders can also explodeif they are not maintained properly.
`Riskof cold burns: When LPG leaks,it vaporizes rapidly, causing the surrounding temperature
`to decrease sharply, As a result, if a person comes into contact with LPG,it could lead to severe
`cald burns ontheir skin, including frostbite.
`Riskof asphyxiation:In higher concentrations, LPG can displace enoughair to bring down
`oxygenlevels. This can cause drowsinessin employeesandbreathing difficulties. Long-term
`exposure can cause damage to the central nervous system,or worse, lead to death by
`asphyxiation.
`
`General Safety Requirements When
`Working with Liquefied Petroleum Gas
`
`There are several requirements that companies must meetto ensurethehealthandsafetyoftheir
`employees. Here are some important ones:
`
`LPG cylinders or vessels mustbe storedin suitable locations with appropriate ventilation and
`mustbein line with conventionalpractice codes.
`The LPG plant mustbe designed to meet relevant standards and should beinstalled and
`cammissioned by a competentauthority.
`An appropriate program for maintaining andtesting the plant regularly should be created.
`It’s imperative that employersinstall monitoring and control devices, including sensors and
`valves. These should be maintained and inspected at regularintervals.
`Appropriate records for maintenance and incidents must be kept. Incident reporting should be
`accurateandtimelyfor more effectiveinvestigations.
`There should be appropriate safety measures in place to prevent any kind ofinterference in LPG
`plants.
`All recards of routine maintenance,testing, and inspections must be maintained securely.
`
`The Importance of Appropriate
`Reporting When Working with LPG
`
`

`

`The importance of maintaining comprehensive and accurate reports when working with LPG plants
`is very important. Since this is such a flammable gas,it’s important that organizations take relevant
`steps to make the LPG plantas safe as possible.
`
`RIDDOR dictates that reports should be made by a “responsible person,” andif the dangerous
`occurrence is caused due to anissuein the pipeline works, that would be the pipeline operator or
`the gas conveyor,
`
`If the dangerous occurrence was causeddue to flammable substances escaping (such as a gas
`leak), the responsible personwill be the supervisor or employeein charge of the premises when the
`occurrence took place.
`
`And so,it’s important to maintain proper reports when working with LPG or other compressed or
`pressurized gases, Maintaining incidentreports is necessary, especiallyif they are prepared by
`employees who were present.
`
`Theycan helpyouidentify flaws in your system and take appropriate steps to mitigate the risks
`
`involved. TheHealthandSafetyExecutive provides guidelines related to siting of the tank,
`ventilation, and conditions around the tank. Maintaining records ofall assets and arrangementsis
`necessary to ensurethe safety of workersonsite.
`
`Use EcoOnline’s Health & Safety
`Software for Accurate Reporting
`
`EcoOnline’scloud-basedhealth&safetysoftware simplifies enterprise-wide reporting. Withits
`mobile application and integrated software, capturing, managing, and investigating incidents is easy
`without any undue delays.
`
`Thereare also several modules,includingRiskAssessmentSoftware, Asset Register Software, Event
`TrackingSoftware, ObservationSoftware, and morethatallow organizations to take a data-driven
`approachto ensurethesafety of their employees.
`
`JG) EcoOnline
`444 QueenStreet East, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, MBC 182
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`Comment| Published: 21 February 2019
`
`Circular chemistry to enable a circular economy
`
`Tom Keijer, Vincent Bakker & J. Chris Slootweg4
`Nature Chemistry 11, 190-195 (2019)| Cite this article
`16k Accesses | 323 Citations | 67 Altmetric | Metrics
`
`By expanding the scopeofsustainability tothe entire lifecycle ofchemical products,the
`conceptofcircularchemistry aimsto replace today’s linear ‘take-make-dispose’
`approachwith circular processes.Thiswill optimize resourceefficiency across chemical
`value chains and enable a closed-loop, waste-free chemicalindustry.
`
`You havefull access to this article via US Patent &
`Trademark Office - STIC
`
` ieBs
`
`References
`Figures
`Sections
`Green chemistry for linear processes
`Circular chemistry for sustainability
`Wasteis a resource
`
`Securing renewability
`Energyinputis an investment
`Awarenessofthe finite nature ofmany resources—including the issue of elementscarcity,
`Controlled environment
`shownin Fig. 1—as wellas the limited environmental tolerance towards our chemical
`industry has grown tremendouslyin the past few decades.It has becomepainfully obvious
`Thelife cycle assessment and the ladderofcirculari...
`thatthe linear route ofproduction,in which scarce resources are consumedandtheir value-
`Product stewardship
`added products are degraded to waste,is a route causeof several impending globalcrises
`Circumventing lock-ins
`such as climate change, diminished biodiversity, as well as food, water and energy shortages.
`Conclusions
`References
`Acknowledgements
`Authorinformation
`Additional infarmatian
`
`Fig. 1: Periodic table representing elementscarcity.
`
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`© EuChems, reproducedfrom https://www.euchems.cu/euchems-periodic-table/ undera Creative Commanslicense CC BY-
`ND 40
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`
`
`In this representationofthe periodic table prepared by the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) for
`the InternationalYearofthe Periodic Table, naturally occurringelements (except someofthe rarest
`ones beyond uranium®’) are depicted throughtiles, the size of which gives an indication — ona
`logarithmic scale — ofhow muchofthe elementis presentin the Earth’s crust and atmosphere. The
`areas are approximateforall elements and exaggeratedin the caseofthe least abundant ones shown
`here (technetium, promethium, polonium,astatine, radon, francium,radium, actinium and
`protactinium)so thatthey are noticeable. Technetium and promethium, shownhere in white and
`markedas synthetic elements, do also occur naturally on Earth, though only in very small amounts.
`Thisillustration highlights thespeed with which elemental supplies are being used,and draws
`attention to elements thatareat risk of being depleted completely unless recycling routes are
`developed,as well as those thatcome from countries in whichwars are fought over the ownership of
`the relevant mineralrights. This table mentions 31 elements (though othersourceslist other
`numbers, up to around 70) that are used in smart phones, whicharetypically replaced morerapidly
`than necessary.
`
`Full size image >
`
`Advocates ofthe circular economysuch asThe Ellen MacArthur Foundation
`(https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org) cleared the path for the emergence ofnovel
`policy frameworks that aim to redesign current economic systems, exemplified by the
`European Union's 2013 ‘manifesto for a resource-efficient Europe’. A circular economyis
`ARRERAS WAREAREIRAACRRRAREITBAARER DARA WORT ARNAARARES
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`

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`MCHNICU a? FCSLUI ALIVE aL ICECHC! GUY Uy UCIISH, alu aiid LU RCCP PLUUULLS, LUTIPULIEHLS
`and materials at their highestutility and value at all times”! Chemistryis crucial for achieving
`this?24562, Chemists understandtheirrole in designing and developing indispensable
`materials and technologies, but also simultaneously recognize the potentially detrimental
`effects that this may haveon theirpractice; they are therefore becoming increasingly aware
`that each step must be designedor reassessed with sustainability in mind.
`
`Green chemistry for linear processes
`Sinceit wasfirst introduced in the 1980s, green chemistry has provided a frameworkfor
`teaching and performing sustainable chemistry, and has delivered an impetusfor developing
`cleaner products and processes®20—which have enhanced chemical sustainability in
`industry and academia.Its twelve guiding principles (Box 1, GC 1-12) focus on thedirect
`sustainability assessmentofchemical reactions, and are perfectly suited for the optimization
`oflinear production routes. The developments towardsa circular economy, however, require
`a re-evaluation ofwhat defines a sustainable chemical process, and needsto take into account
`the people,planet andprofit level (referred to as the ‘triple bottom line’. Notably,
`innovative chemistry designed with sustainability in mind is only effective when translated
`into economically viable applications.
`
` Credit: European Parliament
`
`Anillustrative exampleis the reported green synthesis ofadipic acid—a key componentfor
`the manufacture of nylon-6,6—by the direct oxidation ofcyclohexene with hydrogen
`peroxide”. Solvent-free conditions are applied (GC 2), avoiding the useofthe corrosivenitric
`acid (GC 3) andthus side-stepping the formation ofthe environmentally taxing gasnitrous
`oxide, N20—a waste productofthe current industrial synthesis (GC 4). The green method,
`however, requires hydrogen peroxide, H202,as starting material, which meansthatthis
`processis currently not commercially viable, since HO, is more expensivethan the adipic
`acid product. Althoughthis route obeys green chemistry principles,it violates the value
`chain. Asa result, this green adipic acid synthesis has not beenapplied industrially, and has
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`therefore not led to an overall increasein sustainability. Thus, accountingfor the profit level
`ofthe triple bottom line is. an essential componentin the design ofsustainable chemistry.
`
`Other chemical processes maysatisfy the green chemistry principles while being
`economically viable, yet remain unsustainable. For example, the Haber-Bosch process uses
`iron for the conversion ofdinitrogen, N2, into ammonia, NH3, whichin turn is used in the
`productionofagriculturalfertilizers.It is a key industry showcasefor the use ofcatalysts (GC
`9)in increasing energy efficiency (GC 6). T