19-01-2024
Michelin, IFPEN and Axens inaugurate plant producing bio-based butadienel
Today, Michelin, IFPEN and Axens inaugurated the first industrial-scale demonstrator of a plant producing bio-based butadiene in France, at Michelin’s site in Bassens near Bordeaux. 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 from petrochemicals. BioButterfly has reached a significant step in creating 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 to produce elastomers for the tire market. The other 60% is primarily used to produce varnish, resin, ABS plastic, nylon for automobile applications, textiles and in construction. These applications offer additional potential markets for bio-based butadiene.
After launching in July 2023, the industrial-scale demonstrator must validate each stage in the manufacturing process of bio-based butadiene. In this way it is proving its technological and economic viability, with a production capacity of between 20 and 30 metric tons per year – a scale which will enable rapid industrial development.
This demonstration stage is providing a pathway to global commercialization of this new process – which will enable the production of innovative synthetic rubbers, without fossil-based resources – and the development of a new bio-based butadiene sector. Axens’ commercialization of this technology will be a crucial step in ensuring significant volumes of renewable butadiene.
The inauguration of this demonstrator illustrates the willingness of the 3 partners to foster the development of a French bio-based synthetic elastomer sector, to support a more sustainable industry.
“For Michelin, which currently uses butadiene from petroleum to manufacture its synthetic rubbers, this technology is a wonderful opportunity to help reach the objective of using 100% renewed or recycled materials in its tires by 2050. The Group also wishes to assist the development of a renewable butadiene production sector, in line with Michelin’s central ambitions in terms of circularity and renewed or recycled materials,” declared Eric-Philippe Vinesse, EVP Research & Development and member of the Group’s Executive Committee.
“The demonstrator marks an important milestone in the industrialization of the production process of bio-based butadiene after more than 10 years of research and innovation conducted with our partners. Our commitment to BioButterfly exemplifies our willingness to meet the expectations of manufacturers and of society in the field of bio-based chemistry,” declared Catherine Rivière, Assistant General Manager at IFP Energies Nouvelles.
Jean Sentenac, CEO of Axens explained, “With this partnership and demonstrator, Axens is illustrating its commitment to manufacturers seeking bio-based solutions. Thanks to the talent, the expertise of our team and our partners, the use of bio-based butadiene will become a reality for many industrial players looking for renewable materials. Along with recycling, it is one of the major future challenges which we are pleased to contribute to by disseminating and integrating innovative and reliable technological solutions such as Biobutterfly.”
Michelin is working with its partners to build new, virtuous ecosystems and to develop synergy between various players in the value chain to operate, finance and boost the production of renewable butadiene. Over time, these ecosystems will bring about the construction of several plants worldwide to meet growing demand for sustainable and bio-based finished goods.
To date, the BioButterfly project represents a total investment of more than €80 million (of which €14.7 million of support by ADEME (French Agency for Environment and Energy Management) under the Investments for the Future Program). The project also received support from the Nouvelle Aquitaine region and the Bordeaux Urban Community. It has so far created around twenty jobs at Michelin’s site in Bassens.
-
Successful startup of Axens hydrocracking units at Shenghong’s integrated refinery
Axens’ designed 3.2 MMTPA ebullated-bed residue hydrocracking (H-Oil®) unit and 3.5 MMTPA distillates hydrocracking (HyKTM) unit and Naphtha Hydrotreating (NHT) unit ...
15-02-2024
-
Michelin, IFPEN and Axens inaugurate plant producing bio-based butadienel
Today, Michelin, IFPEN and Axens inaugurated the first industrial-scale demonstrator of a plant producing bio-based butadiene in France, at Michelin’s site in Bassens ...
19-01-2024
-
Axens and ZPJE establish Nectis JV
Energy efficiency improvement is a significant contributor to the achievement of the Paris Agreement objectives. Nectis aims at contributing to this effort in promoting ...
30-10-2023
-
Haike Chemicals selects Vegan® technology from Axens
Shandong Haike Chemical Co. Ltd, a Chinese refining and petrochemical company, has selected Axens’ Vegan® technology to produce low carbon, cost competitive sustainable ...
02-08-2023
-
Axens builds on ExxonMobil MTBE Decomposition technology for high purity isobutylene production
ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing LLC and Axens have signed an exclusive licensing alliance agreement allowing Axens to include ExxonMobil’s MTBE Decomposition Technology ...
07-06-2023
-
CSV Midstream Solutions selects Axens technologies
Axens has been selected to supply the technologies for the Acid Gas Removal unit (HySWEET™) and the Sulphur Recovery unit (SmartSulf®) of the Albright Sour Gas Processing ...
12-05-2023
-
Axens has acquired stakes in the BioTJet project, the aim of which is to build and operate the largest European Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production unit using ...
12-04-2023
-
Axens HySWEET™ technology selected for two new Gas treatment plants in Kuwait
Axens is supplying the process design packages for the gas treatment of two Gas Plants located in North Kuwait, which EPC are managed respectively by SPETCO and Jereh. ...
29-03-2023
-
Axens launches Jetanol™ brand for its Alcohol-to-Jet technology
Committed to offer mature and reliable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies, Axens is pleased to announce the launch of the Jetanol™ brand for its Alcohol-to-Jet ...
23-02-2023
-
Axens and Praj Industries limited sign MoU for Sustainable Aviation Fuel projects in India
Axens and Praj have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work jointly on projects in India for production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from low carbon ...
03-02-2023