Circa Group is a green chemistry company focused on converting non-food renewable biomass into bio-based chemicals and solvents. Its core products include levoglucosenone (LGO), a versatile platform molecule, and Cyrene (dihydrolevoglucosenone), a bio-based dipolar aprotic solvent developed as an alternative to traditional fossil-derived solvents.
The company’s technology is built around its proprietary Furacell process, which thermochemically transforms lignocellulosic feedstocks into LGO alongside co-products such as biochar. Cyrene is explored and used in applications across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings, battery materials, and polymer processing, particularly where replacements for NMP, DMF, and DMAc are sought due to regulatory and performance considerations. Circa collaborates with industrial and academic partners to scale production, qualify supply, and validate end-use performance in downstream formulations and processes.