Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens Announce Progress in 100% Bio-Based Butadiene Production

The BioButterfly™ project has successfully completed testing on a pilot plant, using both bioethanol and second-generation ethanol (i.e., advanced bioethanol) as raw materials to produce bio-based butadiene, ensuring that the product is 100% biobased. The process performance of both raw materials has been validated, fully demonstrating the flexibility of this production process to adapt to various bioethanol feedstocks.

A major breakthrough has been achieved: the butadiene produced by the pilot plant has been successfully used to synthesize cis-butadiene rubber (BR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in the polymerization reaction unit. The successful completion of this synthesis process marks a critical step in the application validation of bio-based butadiene in the synthetic rubber production field.

It has been confirmed through testing that the butadiene produced by this project meets the stringent performance indicators required for polymer-grade products, which can satisfy the production needs of high-quality materials. This achievement fully demonstrates that bio-based butadiene has the potential to become a sustainable alternative to fossil-based butadiene, with a superior carbon footprint performance.

The BioButterfly™ project's development phase is progressing steadily. The validation conducted through the pilot plant not only reduces the risks associated with scaling up the technology but also provides valuable operational data feedback for future investors in the plant, aiding in making this technology a leading advanced process in the market. The three collaborating parties are committed to completing the technology certification by mid-2026, paving the way for the commercialization of this groundbreaking process.

The phase success of the BioButterfly™ project highlights the firm determination of Michelin, the French Institute of Petroleum and New Energies (IFPEN), and Axens to promote the transformation of the synthetic elastomer industry towards sustainability and bio-based solutions. The three parties will continue to deepen collaboration to advance this innovative technology to market, providing strong support for the global transition to renewable resources.