Circa Group AS

Regulatory Filings • Apr 24, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

CIRCA AND MERCK SIGN OEM AGREEMENT FOR SUPPLY AND SALE OF CYRENE™

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, minimise 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 life cycle. From fossil-free non-food feedstock to its recyclability and end-oflife disposal, it 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 recognized 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.

About Circa

Established in 2006, Circa Group converts waste, non-food biomass into advanced bio-based chemicals with its proprietary Furacell™ process. Its developing product portfolio includes flavours, biopolymers, and bio-solvents including Cyrene™. By creating renewable chemicals from cellulose, Circa is extracting value from non-food, surplus biomass and contributing to industry as it transitions to a more circular and decarbonised economy. Circa Group is listed on the Euronext Growth Market in Oslo, stock symbol CIRCA.

www.circa-group.com

Investor Contact Circa Group 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