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.

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/

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this document regarding anticipated financial, business, legal, or other outcomes, including business and market conditions, outlook, and other similar statements relating to Rayonier Advanced Materials’ or future or expected events, developments, or financial or operational performance or results, are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," and other similar language. However, the absence of these or similar words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. While we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that these expectations will be attained. It is possible that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks and uncertainties.

Other important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements that may have been made in this document are described or will be described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Rayonier Advanced Materials assumes no obligation to update these statements except as is required by law.

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RYAM

Media

Ryan Houck

904-357-9134

Investors

Mickey Walsh

904-357-9162

VERSO ENERGY

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Stéphanie LEFEBVRE – OUSTRY

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Source: Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.