Oslo, Norway – 30.08.2024

Sustainable biochemicals company Circa Group AS (ticker: CIRCA) and Vertec Biosolvents, Inc., a US-based technology leader in bio-based solvent blends, have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop the market for Cyrene™, Circa’s sustainable, biomass-derived industrial solvent, in the Americas region. The substitution of hazardous petroleum-based solvents can be achieved through blending of bio-based solvents that can offer similar or superior performance with a safer and more sustainable environmental, health, and safety (EHS) profile.

Vertec expertise in bio-based solvent blends combined with Circa’s experience with its product Cyrene™ create the basis for developing new products able to serve a larger number of applications and be more competitive with existing solutions.

“Partnering with Vertec is a crucial step in expanding our presence in the U.S. market for applications that need customized solutions.” said Circa VP Product Development, Alessandro Napoli. “By merging the expertise of both companies, we will speed up the shift towards safer and more sustainable products in the regions we serve.”

“Vertec is very pleased to bring Cyrene™ to our customers in North America,” said Skip Laubach, Vertec CEO. “We anticipate great value for our customers in bringing Cyrene™ into our solvent blends to address more demanding applications.”

About Vertec Biosolvents, Inc.

Vertec Biosolvents is a pioneer in the development of high-performing bio-based solvents able to replace petroleum-based ones in a wide variety of applications. Vertec operates with a continuous focus on the core tenants of sustainability and social responsibility: human health, resources’ conservation and CO2 footprint.