Michelin, IFPEN and Axens announce successful progress in BioButterfly™ R&D project to produce biobased butadiene from bioethanol
- Mature Technology: BioButterfly™ is currently the most advanced technology for producing biobased butadiene from bioethanol, with a favorable carbon footprint. The industrial demonstrator launched in July 2023 in Bassens confirmed the robustness of the process using both first and second-generation bioethanol.
- Validated Industrial Applications: The biobased butadiene was successfully used to synthesize BR and SBR rubber, meeting high-quality specifications for demanding industrial applications, particularly in the tire sector.
- Commercialization by 2026: The R&D phase is on track to be completed in the coming months, with technology homologation to follow shortly after. This milestone paves the way for global commercialization, supported by partners Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens.
Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens are pleased to announce significant advancements in the BioButterfly™ project, supported by ADEME, Région Nouvelle Aquitaine and Bordeaux Metropole, which aims to produce biobased butadiene from bioethanol. Following the startup of the first industrial-scale demonstrator in July 2023, the project has achieved several key milestones, reinforcing the viability of this innovative technology.
The BioButterfly™ project has successfully tested on the demo-plant both bioethanol and advanced bioethanol (second generation ethanol) as feedstocks for producing bio-based butadiene, guaranteeing a 100% bio-sourced origin. The performance of both sources has been confirmed, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the process to utilize diverse bioethanol inputs.
In a significant development, the butadiene produced at the demonstration plant has been used to synthesize butadiene rubber (BR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in a polymerization unit. The process was successful, marking a crucial step in validating the application of bio-based butadiene in the production of synthetic rubbers.
The butadiene produced has been confirmed to meet stringent polymer grade specifications, ensuring its suitability for high-quality. This achievement underscores the potential of bio-based butadiene as a sustainable alternative to its fossil-based counterpart production with a more favorable carbon footprint.
The R&D phase of the BioButterfly™ project is on track to become the most advanced technology on the market, developed via a demonstration plant to de-risk the scale-up and bring operational feedback to the future plant owners. The partners are focused on achieving technology homologation by mid-2026, paving the way for the commercialization of this groundbreaking process.
The successful progress of the BioButterfly™ project highlights the commitment of Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens to fostering a sustainable and bio-based synthetic elastomer industry. The partners are dedicated to continuing their collaboration to bring this innovative technology to market, supporting the global transition to renewable resources.
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