Plaid Technologies Ships Proprietary Graphene to Petro Flow Ahead of Initial U.S. Well Plugging Field Tests

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plaid Technologies Inc. (CSE: STIF) (OTC: STIFF) (FRA: 5QX0) (“Plaid” or the “Company”) today announces the shipment of an initial quantity of its proprietary graphene material to Petro Flow LLC in advance of the first planned field tests of graphene-enhanced wellbore cement for plugging and abandonment (“P&A”) applications. The initial test wells are expected to be conducted during the second quarter of 2026 in the continental United States.

The shipment represents a key early milestone in Plaid’s commercialization pathway for its graphene-enhanced cement technology. Petro Flow is currently engaged in advanced discussions with multiple well plugging and abandonment service providers to support upcoming field trials and potential broader deployment.

As previously announced on January 13, 2026, Plaid has been working with its contracted development partner, Petro Flow, to integrate an ultrasonic injection process intended to improve the dispersion of graphene oxide within cementitious mixtures. Internal laboratory-scale evaluations to date have indicated that improved dispersion may influence cement hydration behavior and cured material performance. Plaid continues to evaluate performance characteristics, scalability, and cost implications as part of its ongoing development program.

“These initial shipments mark an important transition from laboratory development to field-level evaluation,” said Guy Bourgeois, Chief Executive Officer of Plaid Technologies. “Our collaboration with Petro Flow allows us to test our graphene technology in real-world well plugging operations while continuing to validate performance, ease of use, and scalability. This is a key step as we move toward commercialization and engage with service companies serving the well plugging market.”

The shipment, consisting of graphene dispatched from Plaid’s European-based stockpile of high-grade graphene. Upon delivery to Petro Flow, and prior to cement mixing, the graphene will be converted into a water-dispersible graphene oxide (“GO”) formulation.

When incorporated at the point of placement using Plaid’s proprietary layering and dispersion approach, graphene oxide (“GO”)-reinforced cement formulations are expected to offer several potential benefits for well plugging and abandonment applications, including:

• Faster Job Completion:
  Graphene-enhanced cement has demonstrated faster setting and earlier strength development in prior studies, with reported reductions in set time of up to approximately 25%. Faster setting may allow well plugging work to be completed more quickly, helping reduce overall project time.
• Stronger, More Reliable Plugs:
  Laboratory testing indicates that graphene-reinforced cement can form a denser, stronger structure, which may improve the long-term reliability of well plugs and reduce the risk of leakage over time.
• Improved Durability:
  Graphene-enhanced cement formulations have reported strength improvements of up to 50% compared with traditional cement, which may help plugs better withstand stress, temperature changes, and harsh downhole conditions.
• Better Performance in High-Temperature Conditions:
  In testing, graphene-reinforced cement has shown improved stability at higher temperatures, which is particularly relevant for well plugging operations conducted deep underground.
• Potential Cost Savings Over the Life of a Well:
  By enabling faster work, improving early strength, and reducing the likelihood of rework or remediation, graphene-reinforced cement may lower total plugging and abandonment costs and reduce long-term liabilities.
• Fits Existing Industry Practices:
  Plaid’s graphene technology is designed to work with standard oilfield cement systems and equipment, allowing service companies to adopt the technology without major changes to current operations.

Plaid believes the planned test wells will provide valuable data to further evaluate the performance and commercial potential of its graphene-enhanced cement solutions under real-world conditions. The Company intends to provide updates as testing progresses and additional milestones are achieved.

About the Company
The Company focuses on the development and commercialization of graphene-enhanced technologies. Plaid is simultaneously pursuing a range of applications for its proprietary graphene-infused concrete mixture, with an initial focus on wellbore cement and subsurface applications. Management expects Plaid’s unique mixture to pave the way for a new era in well abandonment, combining cutting-edge materials with precision engineering.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

“Guy Bourgeois”

Guy Bourgeois
Director & Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 1-800-585-7517
Email: info@plaidtechnologiesinc.com
Website: https://www.plaidtechnologiesinc.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the timing, scope, and conduct of planned field tests; the anticipated performance, benefits, durability, scalability, and cost characteristics of the Company’s graphene-enhanced cement technologies; the potential commercial viability and adoption of such technologies; anticipated engagement with service providers; the use of proceeds from development activities; and the Company’s expectations regarding future milestones and updates.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs, including assumptions regarding laboratory results translating to field performance, the availability of materials and logistics, the willingness of third-party partners to proceed with testing and potential deployment, and prevailing market and regulatory conditions. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: technical development and scale-up risks; variability in well conditions and field test results; delays or changes in testing schedules; regulatory or permitting requirements; supply chain and cost fluctuations; reliance on third-party partners; market acceptance of new technologies; and general economic, market, and industry conditions.