French Companies Plan to Produce Plant-Based 5-hydroxymethylfufural (5-HMF) Molecule in Quantity to Ramp Up Green Chemistry Development

      French companies Michelin and Axens have teamed up to produce a building block molecule for green chemistry applications known as 5-hydroxymethylfufural (5-HMF). Michelin's ResiCare bio-based resin subsidiary has joined with chemical recycler and technology provider Axens to make the bio-based molecule. The goal is to replace petroleum-based chemistry. According to Sourcing Journal:

“Serving as a fundamental building block in the production of resins, polymers and other more sustainable materials, 5-HMF can enable the gradual replacement of specific petroleum-derived molecules. The molecule is bio-based, non-toxic and versatile, able to be used to create resins and adhesives, along with bio-based polymers.”

“Polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a bio-based plastic widely regarded as one of the most credible alternatives to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is an example of material made with the molecule. PEF offers significant opportunities for the textile fiber market as a more sustainable polyester-type material, as well as for food packaging and bottle manufacturing.”

     5-HMF also has potential for use in a range of solvents, intermediates, and products used in fine and specialty chemicals. It could potentially replace fossil-based compounds such as formaldehyde with renewable plant-based alternatives.

"We are convinced that 5-HMF is destined to become a benchmark platform molecule for sustainable chemistry," said Laurent Lemonnier, CEO, Michelin ResiCare. "Our partnership with Axens is a key lever for accelerating its deployment on a global scale and meeting the growing demand for high-performance bio-based solutions. This collaboration confirms both the strong development potential of 5-HMF across a wide range of applications and the performance of the technology we have developed together with IFPEN. It is fully aligned with Michelin ResiCare's commitment to developing innovative solutions that contribute to a safer and more sustainable world."

     Michelin ResiCare and IFP Energies Nouvelles developed the technology for producing 5-HMF. Michelin ResiCare will operate the first production facility, which is expected to be online in early 2027. It is expected to have a production capacity of nearly 3,000 metric tons per year, supplied in 95% purity as a water solution (65% titration).

     Axens’ vice president of process and equipment innovation, Jacinthe Frécon, emphasized that the project will advance sustainable chemistry solutions.

"This project fully reflects Axens' ambition to transform breakthrough innovations into concrete industrial solutions on a global scale," Frécon said. "By combining a technology developed through leading research collaborations with IFP Energies Nouvelles and our expertise in licensing and engineering, we have the opportunity to accelerate the deployment of key bio-based solutions that will support the transition toward a more sustainable chemicals industry."

     According to Chemical Engineering:

“By combining Michelin’s innovation strength, through the expertise of Michelin ResiCare, with Axens’ industrialization know-how and global deployment capabilities, this collaboration aims to bring to market a solution that is efficient, competitive, and sustainable.”     

     According to Wikipedia, 5-HMF is currently used as a food additive, a biomarker, and a flavoring agent for food products. Some 5-HMF is generated naturally when sugar is cooked. However, its biggest potential is as a building block for other organic molecules, including chemical feedstocks and potentially biofuels.

   

 

     Michelin gives the following information,

 noting that the feedstock for 5-HMF is 

derived from potato or wheat starch. 

References:

 

Michelin, Axens partner for bio-based green chemistry development program. Jennifer Bringle. Sourcing Journal. July 20, 2026. Michelin, Axens partner for bio-based green chemistry development program

Michelin and Axens enter exclusive talks for 5-HMF green chemistry partnership. Mary Bailey. Chemical Engineering. July 13, 2026. Michelin and Axens enter exclusive talks for 5-HMF partnership | Page 1

Hydroxymethylfurfural. Wikipedia. Hydroxymethylfurfural - Wikipedia

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF): A Bio-Based Platform Molecule for Advanced Chemistry. Michelin. 5-HMF bio-based monomer - MICHELIN ResiCare