On 24 October 2025, the CERISEA project reached a key milestone with the start of construction of its industrial-scale 5-HMF production plant in Roussillon, France. The launch of this new construction phase took place in the presence of local authorities, construction partners and institutional representatives.
Led by Michelin ResiCare, CERISEA aims to overcome the remaining technical and industrial challenges linked to the large-scale production of bio-based 5-HMF, a strategic platform molecule derived from fructose.
Once operational, the plant will be capable of producing up to 3,000 tonnes of 5-HMF per year, making it Europe’s first industrial facility of its kind at this scale. The project will enable the emergence of the first European value chain for 5-HMF, opening the door to new sustainable applications in resins, polymers, crop science and specialty chemicals.
Supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and ADEME, CERISEA contributes to Europe’s ambition to strengthen its bioeconomy, reduce dependence on fossil-based materials and accelerate the scale-up of innovative bio-based technologies.
The start of construction also received strong visibility across European innovation and bioeconomy networks. Communications shared by CERISEA partners, Michelin ResiCare and CBE JU generated more than 440 reactions and 34 reposts on LinkedIn, highlighting the strong interest and support for the project.
As construction progresses, CERISEA continues to move forward, paving the way for the safe, sustainable and industrial-scale production of bio-based 5-HMF in Europe.
For further information:
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/resicaretechnologies_5hmf-resins-coatings-ugcPost-7388560301111271424-bm9y/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACDMVt0B0hqoJRiV8x1M8RBDxAZc150uEGM
- https://www.cbe.europa.eu/news/europes-first-industrial-scale-production-facility-new-bio-based-molecule-breaks-ground-france
- https://resicare.michelin.com/news/5-hmf-bio-based-plant-construction-france/
