Powering sustainable aviation: Clariant and Vertimass scale breakthrough biobased fuel technology with advanced zeolite catalysts (Photo created using MidJourney^TM)

• Clariant’s zeolite expertise aims to accelerate commercialization of Vertimass’s biobased alcohol to liquid fuel conversion technology
• Partnership targets scaling up zeolite catalysts for commercial biofuel production
• Collaboration combines Vertimass’ innovative process with Clariant’s 60+ years of zeolite development expertise

MUNICH, March 3, 2026 – Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemical company, today announced a strategic collaboration with Vertimass LLC aiming to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced zeolite catalysts for the catalytic conversion of biobased alcohols via Vertimass Consolidated Alcohols Deoxygenation and Oligomerization (CADO) process. The envisaged project combines Vertimass’ novel technology with Clariant’s six decades of expertise in zeolite catalyst development to advance sustainable processing.

Under the collaboration, Clariant intends to provide comprehensive technical support to scale Vertimass’ technology to commercial production. This encompasses zeolite catalyst development expertise, industrial scale-up guidance, catalyst sample provision for development and testing, detailed characterization services to evaluate catalyst properties and performance, and ongoing technical consultation from Clariant’s zeolite experts.

“We are excited to collaborate with Vertimass on this innovative technology that represents a significant advancement in renewable fuel production,” said Gene Mueller, Vice President and Head of Ethylene for Clariant Catalysts. “Vertimass’ approach to converting renewable alcohols into biobased fuels has remarkable potential for commercial application and environmental benefit. By combining their process innovation with our proven expertise in zeolite catalyst development and industrial scale-up, we are targeting to accelerate the path to commercialization.”

Charles E. Wyman, President and CEO at Vertimass, added: “As innovators in sustainable fuel production technology, we are accelerating the path to commercially viable deployment of renewable fuels. Clariant’s deep expertise in zeolite catalyst development and proven capabilities in commercial scale-up make them an exceptional partner, and we look forward to working closely with Clariant to deploy our CADO technology.”

Vertimass’ proprietary CADO technology enables the catalytic conversion of sustainable methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols into liquid fuels that are compatible with existing vehicles and aircraft, representing a significant advancement in sustainable chemical processing with environmental benefits. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Vertimass focuses on developing and licensing breakthrough processes for renewable fuel production.

Building on an established relationship, this collaboration aims to optimize catalyst performance while enabling efficient scale-up to commercial production. Clariant brings proven expertise in customizing zeolite platforms and unique capabilities in rapidly scaling the catalyst for Vertimass’ CADO technology to commercial production. The collaboration underscores Clariant’s continued commitment to advancing zeolite catalyst innovation and enabling sustainable chemistry solutions for the global energy transition.

To learn more about Clariant’s zeolite capabilities, visit: Zeolite Powders

To learn more about Vertimass’ sustainable fuel technologies, visit: Vertimass – Developing breakthrough biofuel technologies

Vertimass technology sustainably produces vital jet, gasoline, and diesel fuels and chemicals from ethanol, methanol, and other renewable alcohols with high yields that can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to sourcing these products from petroleum. The simplicity of the Vertimass single reaction system results in low capital and operating costs. The compatibility of Vertimass fuels and chemicals with the existing infrastructure makes possible production of low-cost, low-carbon fuels for everything, everyone, and everywhere. This Consolidated Alcohol Deoxygenation and Oligomerization (CADO) technology originated from Oak Ridge National Laboratories operated by UT-Battelle, with Vertimass obtaining worldwide exclusive rights in 2014 and advancing the technology for commercial applicability.

Through a simple bolt-on of Vertimass technology, existing and future ethanol producers can break through the blend wall that currently limits ethanol use in gasoline. And the low cost Vertimass bolt-on opens up entirely new jet, diesel, and chemical markets. In addition, application of Vertimass technology to produce fuels and chemicals from methanol and other alcohols made through capture of carbon dioxide from ethanol production, electrical power generation, cement manufacture, and other operations can further reduce greenhouse gas footprints. Beyond lowering carbon footprints, jet, diesel, and gasoline fuels and chemicals derived from renewable alcohols can improve strategic security, rural economies, and international competitiveness.

About Vertimass LLC                         

Vertimass LLC is based in Irvine, California with the mission to develop and widely license breakthrough technologies that substantially expand production of sustainable transportation fuels and chemicals that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security and domestic economies. Commercialization of proprietary Vertimass technology can overcome the blend wall that currently impedes expansion of ethanol production from multiple sources of biomass, and open up large new markets for aircraft and heavy-duty vehicle fuels and for chemicals not currently amenable to ethanol or other alcohols. For more information, visit http://www.vertimass.com/.

This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such an offer may only be made by means of an offering document that must accompany or precede this information. There is no assurance that this strategy will succeed to meet its objectives. All investments have risk, including loss of investment; please see the risk factors section of the offering document. Securities offered through Shopoff Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

*Visit the following SEC website for more information on what an accredited investor is: SEC.gov | Accredited Investor