Oslo, Norway – 25 April 2024

Sustainable biochemicals company Circa Group AS (stock symbol: CIRCA) and Merck, a leading science and technology company, are pleased to announce the finalisation of an agreement for the supply of Cyrene™, Circa’s sustainable, bio-derived industrial solvent.

“The formalisation of this business partnership, which has developed over the past five-plus years, is an important step forward for the global marketing and distribution of Cyrene™,” said Circa CEO, Bertel Karlstedt. “Our goal is to meet the demand of researchers and organisations around the world looking for an alternative to harmful solvents, to minimise the environmental health impact and simultaneously improve product performance.”

Cyrene™ is a bio-based solvent that demonstrates circularity, sustainability and safety at every stage of its lifecycle. From its fossil-free non-food feedstock to its recyclability and end-of-life disposal, Cyrene™ is a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional toxic petroleum-based solvents, such as dimethylformamide (DMF). The DMF market is expected to reach $545.4 million by 2030, growing at an average CAGR of 4.8% between 2024 and 2030. However, there is growing demand for alternatives given government regulations and concerns about human health and the environment.

Cyrene™, which is recognised as Sustainability Product of the Year by Business Intelligence Group’s Sustainability Awards and a Top Product by the Environment + Energy Leader Awards, is a promising option for various applications.


Investor Contact Circa Group
Tone Leivestad, Chief Financial Officer
Circa Group AS
[email protected]
Tel: +47 406 39 455

Media Contact
Kathryn Sheridan
Sustainability Consult
[email protected]