Michelin takes next step in producing bio-based synthetic rubber

Michelin takes next step in producing bio-based synthetic rubber

Michelin and its partners unveiled an industrial-scale demonstrator for producing bio-based butadiene, a key ingredient in synthetic rubber production.

Michelin, IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) and Axens have unveiled an industrial-scale demonstrator in Bassens near Bordeaux, France, for producing bio-based butadiene, a key ingredient in synthetic rubber production. This development is part of the BioButterfly project, which the three partners have been collaborating on with the support of ADEME, the French Agency for Environment and Energy Management. The project aims to manufacture butadiene from biomass-derived ethanol instead of petrochemical sources, Michelin said.

The demonstrator, operational since July 2023, aims to confirm the technological and economic feasibility of the production process, with a capacity of 20 to 30 metric tons per year, the companies said.

“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,” Eric-Philippe Vinesse, executive vice president of research and development at Michelin, said.

The project, representing over €80 million ($86.7 million) in investment, has also received regional support and created around twenty jobs at the Michelin site in Bassens, Michelin said. The aim is to foster the growth of renewable butadiene production and to construct multiple plants globally to meet the demand for sustainable, bio-based materials.

You May Also Like

Trelleborg to demonstrate its Brawler solid tire line at WasteExpo 2024

The Brawler range includes both press-on and mold-on tires for wheel loaders, skid steers, material handlers, excavators and telehandlers.

Trelleborg-tires@WasteExpo-2024

Trelleborg Tires will be at WasteExpo 2024, exhibiting in booth 2273 at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 7-9. Trelleborg said it will demonstrate the benefits of its Brawler solid tire line up at the show.

According to Trelleborg, in the waste and recycling industry, operational challenges are amplified by the demanding environments of waste transfer stations and recycling facilities. The company said these conditions require tire solutions that can withstand severe operational stress to minimize downtime caused by tire changes or failures.

Schaeffler Group USA expands product portfolio

Seventy new parts have been added to the INA, LuK and Schaeffler Bearings.

Schaeffler-70-new-parts
GT Radial achieves double podium finish at Formula Drift Championship

GT Radial driver Simen Olsen of Norway claimed second place, while Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis of Lithuania finished third.

GT-Radial-Formula-Drift
Chapel Hill Tire introduces nine-month leadership program

The company said its program aims to boost productivity through time management and workforce management techniques.

Chapel-Hill-Tire-New-Location-1400
SRNA promotes Wayne Horne to strategic account manager

Horne has been a part of SRNA for nearly eight years and held various roles throughout his tenure, starting in customer service.

SRNA-Wayne-Horne

Other Posts

Yokohama Rubber donates to Eastern Taiwan earthquake relief

Through its Yokohama Magokoro Fund, Yokohama Rubber will donate a combined ¥1 million (approx. $6,380).

donate-stock
How supplier partnerships move sustainability forward in commercial transportation

The right tires can contribute to significant forward sustainable progress for commercial fleets.

michelin-dtna-tires-1400
Continental acquires mold specialist EMT for commercial and specialty tires

With the acquisition of EMT, Continental said it can independently produce tire molds for all applications if required.

continental_pp_tiremold
TBC Corp. employee children enjoy ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’

The kids had a jam-packed day learning about tires, and even ate lunch with the company’s new CEO, Don Byrd.

TBC-Bring-Kids-to-Work-Day-CEO-1400