Significant Step in Bio-based Butadiene

Michelin, IFPEN and Axens inaugurated the first industrial-scale demonstrator of a bio-based butadiene production facility at Michelin's Bassens plant near Bordeaux, France. The demonstrator was built within the framework of the BioButterfly project, involving the three partners and supported by ADEME (French Agency for Environment and Energy Management), with the aim of developing and commercializing butadiene from ethanol derived from biomass (plants) to replace butadiene obtained from petrochemicals. BioButterfly has taken an important step in establishing a bio-based synthetic elastomer industry. Butadiene, a C4 diolefin, is an important chemical intermediate in the production of numerous polymers used for many applications: 40% of butadiene is used in the production of elastomers for the tire market. The remaining 60% is used in varnishes, resins, ABS plastics, nylon for automotive applications, textiles and the construction sector. These applications present additional potential markets for bio-based butadiene. Following its market launch in July 2023, the industrial-scale demonstrator must validate each stage of the bio-based butadiene production process. In this way, with an annual production capacity of 20 to 30 metric tons, it proves technological and economic feasibility – a scale that will enable rapid industrial development. This demonstration phase opens the way toward global commercialization of this new process, which will enable the production of innovative synthetic rubber without fossil-based sources, and toward the development of a new bio-based butadiene sector. Axens' commercialization of this technology will be a crucial step in providing significant quantities of renewable butadiene. The inauguration of this demonstrator shows the three partners' willingness to promote the development of the French bio-based synthetic elastomer sector to support a more sustainable industry. Michelin is working together with its partners to build new, virtuous ecosystems and to develop synergies among various players in the value chain to operate, finance and expand renewable butadiene production. Over time, these ecosystems will lead to the construction of various facilities worldwide to meet increasing demand for sustainable and bio-based end products. The BioButterfly project represents an investment of over EUR 80 million to date (of which EUR 14.7 million has been supported by ADEME through the Investments for the Future Program). The project has also received support from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region and the Bordeaux Urban Community. Michelin's Bassens facility has created approximately twenty jobs to date. Source