Clariant and Vertimass collaborate to scale CADO technology, combining zeolite catalyst expertise and innovative processes to accelerate renewable biofuels commercialization.
Clariant, a global specialty chemicals company with a strong focus on sustainability, has announced a strategic collaboration with Vertimass to accelerate the development and commercialization of advanced zeolite catalysts for renewable fuel production. The partnership aims to scale up Vertimass’ innovative Consolidated Alcohols Deoxygenation and Oligomerization (CADO) process, a technology designed to convert renewable alcohols into sustainable liquid fuels.
Through this collaboration, Clariant will contribute its extensive expertise in zeolite catalyst development to support the advancement of Vertimass’ proprietary technology. Clariant has more than six decades of experience in designing and producing zeolite-based catalysts, which are widely used in refining and petrochemical processes. By combining Vertimass’ novel conversion technology with Clariant’s technical capabilities and industrial know-how, the companies intend to accelerate the pathway toward large-scale commercial deployment of the CADO process.
As part of the agreement, Clariant will provide a wide range of technical services to assist in the scale-up of the technology. These services include support for catalyst design and development, supply of catalyst samples for testing and process optimization, and advanced analytical and characterization services to evaluate catalyst performance and properties. In addition, Clariant’s technical specialists will offer guidance on industrial scale-up, helping to ensure that the technology can transition effectively from research and development to commercial production.
Gene Mueller, Vice President and Head of Ethylene for Clariant Catalysts, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership represents an important step forward in the development of renewable fuels. According to Mueller, Vertimass’ approach to converting renewable alcohols into drop-in fuels offers strong potential for both commercial success and environmental benefits. By combining Vertimass’ process innovation with Clariant’s expertise in catalyst engineering and scaling technologies for industrial use, the companies aim to accelerate commercialization and bring sustainable fuel solutions closer to the market.
Charles E. Wyman, President and CEO of Vertimass, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the company’s mission to develop and deploy innovative technologies for renewable fuel production. He stated that Clariant’s deep knowledge of zeolite catalysts and its proven track record in scaling technologies to commercial levels make it an ideal collaborator. Wyman added that the two organizations will work closely together to further refine and deploy the CADO process, ultimately enabling more efficient production of renewable fuels.
Vertimass’ patented CADO technology enables the catalytic conversion of sustainable alcohols—such as methanol, ethanol, and other bio-based feedstocks—into liquid fuels suitable for use in existing transportation infrastructure. These fuels can be used in conventional vehicles and aircraft without requiring major modifications, making the technology particularly attractive for accelerating the transition toward low-carbon energy systems.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Vertimass focuses on developing breakthrough technologies that transform renewable feedstocks into high-value fuels and chemicals. The collaboration with Clariant builds upon an existing relationship between the two organizations and aims to further optimize catalyst performance while supporting efficient industrial scale-up.
Overall, the partnership reflects Clariant’s continued commitment to advancing catalyst innovation and promoting sustainable chemical solutions that contribute to the global energy transition. By leveraging complementary expertise, both companies hope to play a significant role in expanding the production of renewable fuels and reducing the environmental impact of the energy and transportation sectors.
