Circa Group AS, Vataset Teollisuus Oy and Kemijarvi Biorefinery Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the establishment of a Circa Furacell production facility on the Kemijarvi Biopark in Northern Finland.

The plant would manufacture platform chemical levoglucosenone (LGO), biochar and bio-based solvent Cyrene 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.

Tony Duncan, CEO, Circa, 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 Cyrene.”

Harri Vatanen, CEO, Vataset, 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.”