Mr. Carlos Vicens reports

ACE HARDWARE FRANCHISE OPERATOR BECOMES SECOND U.S. RETAIL PARTNER TO DISTRIBUTE FCL-X LITHIUM BATTERY FIRE SUPPRESSION SOLUTION

An Ace Hardware franchise operator in Georgia has become the second United States retail partner to carry FCL-X, Full Circle Lithium Corp.'s proprietary lithium-ion battery fire suppression agent, expanding consumer access to advanced fire safety solutions across residential markets.

Key highlights

• Expansion brings FCL-X into one of North America's largest retail hardware networks, with approximately 5,800 Ace Hardware locations across all 50 U.S. states and international markets.
• Growing household adoption reflects escalating safety concerns tied to lithium-ion battery fires in residential buildings, garages and consumer electronics environments.

Ace Hardware operates one of the largest retail hardware footprints in the United States, with approximately 5,800 locally owned and operated stores across all 50 states and more than 70 countries worldwide through its independent retailer network. The platform provides deep penetration across suburban, rural and urban communities, making it one of the most widely accessible retail channels for hardware and home safety in North America.

The addition of Ace Hardware franchise operators follows growing U.S. consumer demand for lithium-ion battery fire safety solutions, driven by the rapid expansion of battery-powered consumer devices, including e-bikes, power tools, lawn equipment, home energy storage systems and electric vehicles.

Unlike traditional structure fires, lithium-ion battery fires can escalate rapidly into thermal runaway events, producing intense heat, toxic smoke and potential reignition risks that are difficult to control using conventional extinguishing agents. Fire safety agencies across North America have increasingly highlighted the challenge posed by these incidents as adoption of battery-powered devices continues to accelerate.

Recent residential incidents have underscored the risk environment. In New York alone, lithium-ion battery-related fires have resulted in hundreds of incidents annually, including multiple fatalities and significant property damage in multiunit dwellings. In another widely reported case, an e-bike battery fire in a San Jose residential building resulted in a fatality due to toxic smoke exposure and rapid fire escalation.

"These incidents are no longer rare edge cases -- they are becoming a recurring household safety issue," said Jeremy Gove, director of marketing of the Georgia-based Ace Hardware retailer owned co-operative. "Every home now contains multiple lithium-ion battery-powered devices, yet most households are not equipped with tools designed specifically to address this type of fire risk."

Mr. Gove added: "We see FCL-X as an essential modern safety product. Conventional extinguishers were not designed for lithium-ion battery fires, which behave differently, burn hotter and can reignite. Our decision to bring FCL-X into our stores is about giving customers access to a purpose-built solution for a growing real-world hazard."

FCL-X is a PFAS-free and environmentally responsible fire suppression agent engineered specifically for lithium-ion battery-related fire events. The product is designed to rapidly cool affected battery cells and help suppress thermal runaway while minimizing environmental impact compared to legacy chemical agents.

"Expanding into Ace Hardware franchise locations is a major milestone for our retail strategy," said Chad Carver, sales and operations manager of Full Circle. "Ace Hardware's unmatched local presence across North America gives homeowners direct access to a specialized lithium battery fire safety solution at the point of need. As adoption of battery-powered devices accelerates, we believe safety products like FCL-X will become a standard household category."

Mr. Carver continued: "We are seeing increasing awareness from consumers, retailers, and first responders that lithium-ion battery fires require a different class of response. This partnership reflects that shift in real time."

About Full Circle Lithium Corp.

Full Circle is a United States-based manufacturer of sustainable solutions for the lithium battery safety sector. Its flagship product innovation, FCL-X, is a proprietary, non-hazardous, water-based fire-extinguishing agent designed specifically to combat the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires. Backed by a world-class technical team, Full Circle is committed to delivering safe, effective and environmentally responsible fire mitigation technologies.

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