OSLO, NORWAY - 5 DECEMBER 2023 - Circa Group AS (stock symbol: CIRCA), Vataset
Teollisuus Oy and Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the establishment of a Circa FuracellTM
production facility on the Kemijarvi Biopark in Northern Finland. The plant
would manufacture platform chemical levoglucosenone (LGO), biochar and bio-based
solvent CyreneTM from sustainable biomass feedstocks.

Vataset is developing the Kemijarvi site as a comprehensive biopark for
renewable materials, fuel and chemicals based on circular economy principles and
strong environmental values. Kemijarvi Biorefinery specialises in biomass
processing and the companies are seeking partners to effectively utilise all
side streams.

Formerly the site of a Stora Enso pulp mill in Northern Finland, the area has a
long industrial history with the pulp and paper sector and is close to the
natural resources needed to supply a large and sustainable industrial biopark
development.
(https://www.kemijarvibiopark.fi/en/kemijarvi_biopark/)

Tony Duncan, Circa CEO said, "Finland has a long history in the forest-based
industries and the Kemijarvi site has the necessary skills, feedstock, logistics
and infrastructure to support Circa - combined importantly with a vision of
circularity and low-carbon developments. Circa's strategy is to identify a small
number of development sites globally to serve adjacent regional markets with
levoglucosenone derivatives including our green solvent CyreneTM.   

Vataset CEO, Harri Vatanen said, "Technology like Circa's is essential for
making the transition to renewable and more environmentally-friendly materials.
Our activities and Circa's have clear synergistic advantages. At Kemijarvi
Biopark, we look forward to exploring the potential of a Circa renewable
chemicals plant on our site."



About Circa
Established in 2006, Circa Group converts sustainable, non-food biomass into
advanced bio-based chemicals with its proprietary FuracellTM process. Its
developing product portfolio includes flavours, biopolymers, and bio-solvents
including CyreneTM. By creating renewable chemicals from cellulose, Circa is
extracting value from non-food biomass and addressing a gap in the market by
providing bio-based, less carbon intensive alternatives, contributing to a more
circular economy.
https://circa-group.com  

About Vataset 
Vataset specialises in the development of industrial projects to materialise the
transition to renewables. Since 2020, Vataset has developed the Kemijarvi
Biopark based on local renewable resources, well-growing forests, with the aim
of maximising the added value of the resource and with a strong commitment to
environmental and social values. Vataset was established in 2019 and is based in
Helsinki, Finland.
https://vataset.com


Investor Contact 
Tone Leivestad
Chief Financial Officer
Circa Group AS
tone.leivestad@circa-group.com
Tel: +47 406 39 455

Media Contact 
Kathryn Sheridan
Sustainability Consult
ks@sustainabilityconsult.com