Michelin ResiCare and Axens have entered exclusive discussions to accelerate the industrialization and global commercialization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a breakthrough bio-based molecule designed to help replace fossil-derived chemicals with renewable alternatives.
The strategic partnership would combine Michelin ResiCare’s innovation capabilities with Axens’ expertise in licensing and industrial deployment, paving the way for large-scale adoption of a technology developed alongside IFP Energies Nouvelles.
The first commercial production unit, operated by Michelin ResiCare in Péage-de-Roussillon, France, is expected to begin operations in early 2027, with an annual production capacity of approximately 3,000 tonnes.
5-HMF is emerging as a versatile platform molecule for sustainable chemistry, offering applications in resins, adhesives, polymers, solvents, and specialty chemical products. Produced from plant-based resources, the bio-based molecule provides a pathway to reduce reliance on petroleum-derived ingredients.
Among its most promising applications is polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a next-generation bio-based plastic considered a leading alternative to PET for markets including food packaging, bottles, and textile fibers.
The molecule also offers the potential to replace fossil-based compounds such as formaldehyde, helping industries move toward lower-carbon manufacturing processes without requiring major changes to existing production infrastructure.
The technology behind 5-HMF was developed through a joint research and development program between Michelin ResiCare and IFP Energies Nouvelles, supported by ADEME and the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking.
With Axens now bringing industrialization and global licensing expertise to the project, the partners aim to transform the innovation into a commercially competitive solution for the worldwide chemicals industry.
“This project fully reflects Axens’ ambition to transform breakthrough innovations into concrete industrial solutions on a global scale.
"By combining a technology developed through leading research collaborations with IFP Energies Nouvelles and our expertise in licensing and engineering, we have the opportunity to accelerate the deployment of key bio-based solutions that will support the transition toward a more sustainable chemicals industry,” Jacinthe Frécon, Vice-President Process and Equipment Innovation at Axens.
"We are convinced that 5 HMF is destined to become a benchmark platform molecule for sustainable chemistry. Our partnership with Axens is a key lever for accelerating its deployment on a global scale and meeting the growing demand for high-performance bio-based solutions.
"This collaboration confirms both the strong development potential of 5 HMF across a wide range of applications and the performance of the technology we have developed together with IFPEN. It is fully aligned with Michelin ResiCare’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that contribute to a safer and more sustainable world,” added Laurent Lemonnier, CEO of Michelin ResiCare.
The collaboration marks a significant step in scaling bio-based chemical technologies and advancing the transition toward a more sustainable materials industry.
