Michelin Announces the Construction of an Industrial Demonstrator for the 5-HMF Molecule

A molecule with extremely promising properties

5-HMF, also known as 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, is a platform molecule with multiple possible derivatives. It is bio-sourced and non-toxic, allowing it to replace ingredients sourced from oil or those of concern. It is known as the “Sleeping Giant” due to its versatility and its ability to replace a wide range of conventional molecules. This molecule is obtained from fructose that has been transformed using green chemistry processes.

5-HMF will therefore be one of the rare monomers that meet the following characteristics: bio-sourced, non-toxic, available on an industrial scale in thousands of metric tons, and produced in Europe using European raw materials.

A potential market of over 40,000 metric tons by 2030

This project, entitled CERISEA², was developed within the framework of a partnership bringing together multiple industrial, institutional, and academic stakeholders.

Supported by the ADEME³, it forms part of the France 2030 program, which aims to support industrial innovation and the ecological transition. It also benefits from support from the CBE JU¹ at European level.

The European 5-HMF market is still emerging, as the molecule is produced solely in Asia, in very small quantities, and it remains prohibitive for industrial uses.

Already used in the manufacture of non-toxic adhesive resins developed by Michelin ResiCare, this molecule allows these resins to reduce operator and consumer exposure to harmful products. The production of this initial industrial scale unit will allow for safeguarding Michelin ResiCare’s supply and for lowering costs. It also paves the way for the marketing of new materials in a variety of sectors, such as cosmetics, agriculture, industry, construction, transport, aeronautics, or electronics, as well as in many other fields of application. The projects launched demonstrate a potential market of over 40,000 metric tons by 2030.

Provision has been made for 20,000-metric ton units to be duplicated via a license system, in order to develop a production network for this bio-sourced molecule, in conjunction with the project’s industrial partners.

Another illustration of the Group’s capacity to grow in composite solutions that create value

This ambitious project, a global first, is an additional illustration of the Group’s cutting-edge skill in terms of its ability to introduce breakthrough innovations in composite solutions.

Formulated at a scale smaller than the micrometer, and developed to ensure critical functions, these technical composite materials are openings onto markets with a high potential for growth.

Michelin ResiCare: its history with 5-HMF

Michelin began to explore alternatives to formaldehyde and resorcinol in the adhesive resins intended for its tires as of 2008. In 2013, a technology for tire applications was developed, without using 5-HMF.

In 2016, 5-HMF was integrated into the Michelin ResiCare formulae for resins intended for uses other than tires, and initially for plyboard, after identifying a source at a small volume and a high price. After an initial attempt with another partner, Michelin joined forces with the IFPEN in 2021 to develop a more robust production process from fructose, with tests on various scales and engineering studies until the end of 2023.

Today, although it is not currently used in tires, 5-HMF is in all the new Michelin ResiCare formulations, including for plyboard, abrasives, and molded components.

The prospect of 5-HMF production on a much larger scale opens the way to even wider industrial uses of this bio-sourced molecule.

Source: Michelin