Michelin is working alongside energy research firm IFP Energies Nouvellas (IFPEN) and technology company Axens to construct France's first industrial-scale bioethanol-to-butadiene prototype plant. The BioButterfly programme, which has seen €70m ($76.5m) of investment since 2012, aims to produce environmentally-friendly synthetic rubbers by converting ethanol from biomass, like agricultural residues, into butadiene. The industrial prototype phase aims to demonstrate the process' viability at a scale of 20-30 mt per year. In addition to its biofuel production, France also plans to use biofuels in other sectors, such as aviation and shipping.
Michelin is working alongside energy research firm IFP Energies Nouvellas (IFPEN) and technology company Axens to construct France's first industrial-scale bioethanol-to-butadiene prototype plant. The BioButterfly programme, which has seen €70m ($76.5m) of investment since 2012, aims to produce environmentally-friendly synthetic rubbers by converting ethanol from biomass, like agricultural residues, into butadiene. The industrial prototype phase aims to demonstrate the process' viability at a scale of 20-30 mt per year. It will also help Michelin achieve its goal of using 80% sustainable raw material in its products by 2050, of which bio-butadiene will represent 20%.