Michelin's first bio-based materials factory will be established

On May 23, Michelin announced an investment of 60 million euros to build the "world's first" industrial-scale 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) production plant. 5-HMF is a bio-sourced molecule that is considered a key component of green chemistry. The plant will be located at the Osiris Industrial Platform in Peagen-en-Roussillon in southeastern France and is scheduled to be put into production in 2026.

Supported by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) and the EU's Circular Biobased Europe Joint Program (CBE JU), the plant will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons, making it the world's largest 5-HMF production site.5-HMF is extracted from fructose through a "green" chemical process and can replace fossil-based substances in a range of applications, including composites in high-growth markets. Michelin said it has incorporated the molecule into bonding resins developed for non-tire applications, including plywood and abrasives, through its subsidiary ResiCare. Although the bio-ingredient has not yet been used in Michelin tires, the group said it is exploring its potential in tire cord bonding applications. 

Maude Portigliatti, director of Michelin's polymer composite solutions division, said the new unit will "accelerate" the development of resin products for manufacturers. The project is part of the European CERISEA program, which involves 13 partners such as ADM, Avantium, Arkema, Kraton, the French Institute of Petroleum and New Energy (IFPEN), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and several academic and research institutions. Michelin said the European 5-HMF market is "still emerging" and production is currently limited to small plants in Asia and is too costly for industrial use. By expanding production capacity in Europe, this French project aims to establish a local 5-HMF value chain, with a potential market expected to exceed 40,000 tons/year by 2030. To achieve this goal, the Michelin Group plans to expand 5-HMF production in a modular 20,000 tons/year licensing model by partnering with other industrial companies.