Michelin and Axens enter exclusive talks to accelerate deployment of a key bio-based molecule for green chemistry
In France, Michelin ResiCare and Axens announced they have entered exclusive discussions toward a strategic partnership around an innovative production technology for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a key molecule for green chemistry.
This partnership aims to accelerate the large-scale industrialization and rollout of a bio-based solution, addressing the growing decarbonization needs of the chemical and materials industries, the partners said.
In practice, 5-HMF serves as a building block for producing resins, polymers, and other more sustainable materials, progressively replacing certain petroleum-derived molecules. This platform molecule — notably promising because it is bio-based, non-toxic, and versatile — enables the development of resins and adhesives, as well as bio-based polymers. One example is polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a bio-based plastic now considered one of the most credible substitutes for PET, opening major industrial prospects in food packaging, bottles, and textile fibers. 5-HMF also holds strong potential for a wide range of solvents, intermediates, and products for fine and specialty chemicals, they added.
Category: Fuels
