AVA Biochem and Michelin Group join forces to establish the world’s first commercial-scale production plant of 5-HMF
Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.
AVA Biochem
has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the Michelin Group to establish the world’s first
commercial-scale production plant of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF) and to bring
novel product applications onto the market based on this versatile chemical.
Press release: “Greentech pioneer AVA Biochem
teams-up with Michelin Group to foster eco-innovation”, 31/1/2020.
Figure 1. AVA Biochem and
Michelin Group join forces to establish the world’s first commercial-scale
production plant of 5-HMF
AVA Biochem has developed, patented and piloted a
fully water-based process for the conversion of industrial sugars into the 5-HMF
(100% biobased molecule). This platform chemical is ideally positioned to
replace petroleum-sourced chemicals in various mass-market applications, due to
its versatility, non-toxicity and bio-sourcing. Applications include
biopolymers (such as yarns, films, bottles and other packaging) as well as
resins and adhesives, where 5-HMF replaces highly toxic formaldehyde. These
applications are all targeted to improve the performance, economics,
sustainability (low carbon footprint) and safety (non-toxicity) of a variety of
both consumer goods and industrial products.