Michelin advances bio-based butadiene project to produce synthetic rubber

Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens are pleased to announce significant advancements in the BioButterfly™ project, supported by ADEME, Région Nouvelle Aquitaine and Bordeaux Metropole, which aims to produce bio-based butadiene from bioethanol. Following the startup of the first industrial-scale demonstrator in July 2023, the project has achieved several key milestones, reinforcing the viability of this innovative technology.

The BioButterfly™ project has successfully tested on the demo-plant both bioethanol and advanced bioethanol (second generation ethanol) as feedstocks for producing bio-based butadiene, guaranteeing a 100% bio-sourced origin. The performance of both sources has been confirmed, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the process to utilize diverse bioethanol inputs.

In a significant development, the butadiene produced at the demonstration plant has been used to synthesize butadiene rubber (BR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in a polymerization unit. The process was successful, marking a crucial step in validating the application of bio-based butadiene in the production of synthetic rubbers.

The butadiene produced has been confirmed to meet stringent polymer grade specifications, ensuring its suitability for high-quality. This achievement underscores the potential of bio-based butadiene as a sustainable alternative to its fossil-based counterpart production with a more favorable carbon footprint.

The R&D phase of the BioButterfly™ project is on track to become the most advanced technology on the market, developed via a demonstration plant to de-risk the scale-up and bring operational feedback to the future plant owners. The partners are focused on achieving technology homologation by mid-2026, paving the way for the commercialization of this groundbreaking process.

The successful progress of the BioButterfly™ project highlights the commitment of Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens to fostering a sustainable and bio-based synthetic elastomer industry. The partners are dedicated to continuing their collaboration to bring this innovative technology to market, supporting the global transition to renewable resources.