Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens have announced significant advancements in the BioButterfly™ project, supported by ADEME, Région Nouvelle Aquitaine and Bordeaux Metropole, which aims to produce bio based 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.
Jacinthe Frecon, VP Process and Equipment Innovation at Axens, said: “As we continue to make strides in the BioButterfly™ project, we are proud to see our collaborative efforts with Michelin and IFPEN come to fruition. The successful demonstration of our technology marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable, bio-based butadiene production. The insights gained will help mitigate risks and enhance the efficiency and benefits of the process for our future customers”.
Cyril Dupuch, Vice President, Materials Research & Development at Michelin said: “At Michelin, we see innovation as a collective adventure. Most of the new materials we need for our tires do not exist yet or are not available at an industrial scale. BioButterfly™ is a perfect example of how we can, together with partners, turn bold ideas into renewable materials for tomorrow”.
Noëmie Dos Santos-Tabbakh, Head of Strategic Bio-based Chemistry R&D at IFPEN said: “IFPEN is proud to play a pivotal role in the BioButterfly™ project, in partnership with Axens and Michelin. Leveraging cutting-edge expertise in green chemistry, this collaboration focuses on creating value through the production of sustainable, bio-based butadiene. As we progress towards industrial-scale innovation, BioButterfly™ showcases the strength of partnerships in transforming bold ideas into renewable solutions, setting the stage for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future in the chemical and rubber industries”.
