Clariant partners with Vertimass to scale-up CADO biofuels technology

Photo: Clariant

Specialty-chemical company Clariant announced March 3 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 project envisions combining 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.”

Vertimass President and CEO Charles Wyman 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,” Clariant stated.