Michelin, IFPEN and Axens inaugurate plant producing bio-based butadienel

BioButterfly has reached a significant step in creating a bio-based synthetic elastomer industry.

Butadiene, a C4 diolefin, is an important chemical intermediate in the production of numerous polymers used for many applications: 40% of butadiene is used to produce elastomers for the tire market. The other 60% is primarily used to produce varnish, resin, ABS plastic, nylon for automobile applications, textiles and in construction. These applications offer additional potential markets for bio-based butadiene.

After launching in July 2023, the industrial-scale demonstrator must validate each stage in the manufacturing process of bio-based butadiene. In this way it is proving its technological and economic viability, with a production capacity of between 20 and 30 tpy – a scale which will enable rapid industrial development.

This demonstration stage is providing a pathway to global commercialisation of this new process – which will enable the production of innovative synthetic rubbers, without fossil-based resources – and the development of a new bio-based butadiene sector. Axens’ commercialisation of this technology will be a crucial step in ensuring significant volumes of renewable butadiene.

The inauguration of this demonstrator illustrates the willingness of the three partners to foster the development of a French bio-based synthetic elastomer sector, to support a more sustainable industry.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/23012024/michelin-ifpen-and-axens-inaugurate-plant-producing-butadiene-from-bioethanol/