Michelin to build “world-first” industrial-scale plant for bio-ingredient 5-HMF

Clermont-Ferrand, France – Michelin is investing €60 million to build the "world’s first” industrial-scale production unit for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) – a bio-sourced molecule regarded as a key building block of green chemistry.

The facility will be located on the Osiris industrial platform in Péage-en-Roussillon, southeastern France, and is scheduled to start operations in 2026, Michelin announced 23 May.

Backed by France’s ADEME and the EU’s Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), the plant will have a capacity of 3 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa), making it the largest 5-HMF production site worldwide.

Produced from fructose via 'green' chemical processes, 5-HMF can replace fossil-based substances in a range of applications, including composite materials for high-growth markets.

Michelin said it has already incorporated the molecule into adhesive resins developed by its ResiCare subsidiary for non-tire applications, including plywood and abrasives.

While the bio-ingredient is not yet used in Michelin’s tires, the group said it is exploring its potential in tire-cord adhesive applications.

The new unit will "speed up the development" of resin offerings for manufacturers, said Maude Portigliatti, director of the polymer composite solutions division at Michelin.

The project is part of CERISEA, a European initiative involving 13 partners such as ADM, Avantium, Arkema, Kraton, IFPEN, CNRS, and several academic and research institutions.

The European market for 5-HMF “is still emerging”, said Michelin, noting that production is currently limited to small-scale sites in Asia, where it remains too expensive for industrial use.

By scaling up output in Europe, the French project aims to establish a local value-chain for 5-HMF, with an estimated potential market of over 40ktpa by 2030.

To meet that target, the group plans to expand 5-HMF production through a modular 20ktpa licensing model in partnership with other industrial players.