RYAM and Verso Energy Sign New MoU to Advance e-SAF and CO₂ Utilization Project in Jesup, Georgia

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (NYSE: RYAM) (the “Company”), the global leader in High Purity Cellulose, and Verso Energy today announced the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their strategic collaboration. The agreement represents a major step forward in evaluating the development of a breakthrough facility in Jesup, Georgia, to produce electro Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) and valorize biogenic carbon dioxide from RYAM’s manufacturing operations.

This MoU builds on a foundational agreement signed in December 2024, broadening the scope of cooperation between the two companies and solidifying their commitment to industrial innovation and decarbonization. The new MoU outlines joint feasibility studies for multiple projects, including:

• A CO₂ Capture and Storage (CCS) Project
  
• An H₂ Unit to produce renewable hydrogen
  
• An e-Fuel Production Unit to convert biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen into e-SAF
  

These projects are being explored at RYAM’s Jesup site, leveraging its established industrial base and biogenic CO₂ streams.

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De Lyle Bloomquist, President and CEO of RYAM, commented:

"This new MoU marks an exciting evolution in our collaboration with Verso Energy. As the global push for decarbonization accelerates, RYAM remains committed to unlocking new revenue streams from our biogenic CO₂ and biomass resources. We are energized by the shared vision we’ve built with Verso and the prospect of creating meaningful environmental and economic value in Georgia and beyond."

Antoine Huard, CEO of Verso Energy, added:

"The Jesup site presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the scalable integration of carbon capture and renewable fuel production in North America. Our strengthened partnership with RYAM allows us to move with purpose toward large-scale deployment of low-carbon fuels and to contribute decisively to the energy transition. This agreement underlines our long-term confidence in the U.S. market and our commitment to global climate goals."

The MoU includes the formation of a joint steering committee, outlines an exclusivity period for project evaluation, and anticipates the negotiation of definitive agreements including a CO₂ supply contract. A feasibility study is already underway to assess the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of the proposed projects, with a final investment decision expected in the next 18 to 24 months.

About RYAM

RYAM is a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, including cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly used in the production of filters, food, pharmaceuticals and other industrial applications. RYAM’s specialized assets, capable of creating the world’s leading cellulose specialties products, are also used to produce commodity fluff pulp, biofuels, bioelectricity and other biomaterials such as bioethanol and tall oils. The Company also manufactures products for the paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada and France, RYAM generated $1.6 billion of revenue in 2024. More information is available at www.RYAM.com.

About VERSO ENERGY

Verso Energy is a French company engaged in developing, building and operating sustainable projects, such as green hydrogen and sustainable fuels production plants, renewable power plants, and battery storage units. Co-founded by Xavier Caïtucoli and Antoine Huard, Verso Energy is committed to develop an integrated Power-to-X model to deliver competitive low-carbon electrons and molecules. Learn more: https://verso.energy/