World’s Largest HMF Demonstrator to Be Built in France
Michelin proudly announces the construction of a first-of-its-kind industrial demonstrator dedicated to the production of the 5-HMF molecule, an essential building block for the future of green chemistry. This major initiative, under the banner of the CERISEA project, marks a significant leap forward in the industrial deployment of bio-sourced, non-toxic chemical solutions.
This innovative facility will be built on the Osiris industrial platform in Péage-de-Roussillon, France, with an annual production capacity of 3,000 metric tons, making it the largest HMF production site in the world.
From Lab to Industry: Scaling Sustainable Chemistry
The molecule 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), derived from plant-based biomass, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-based inputs in a wide variety of industrial applications. Already used in the production of ResiCare resins, it helps reduce operator and consumer exposure to harmful substances, while offering strong economic and environmental performance.
By scaling this bio-based process, Michelin aims to secure its supply chain for ResiCare and drive down production costs, contributing to a more resilient and responsible materials industry.
A Strategic Investment for Europe’s Bioeconomy
Backed by a total investment of €60 million, the CERISEA project benefits from significant support by ADEME (France’s ecological transition agency) and the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). This support highlights the project’s alignment with European green transition goals, especially in reducing dependency on fossil feedstocks.
The industrial unit is expected to create around 30 direct jobs and enter into operation in 2026.
Join the Transition to Safer, Greener Chemistry
With the CERISEA project, Michelin is paving the way for a new era in materials innovation, one where performance, safety, and sustainability converge. Stakeholders across the chemical and manufacturing sectors are invited to follow this transformation and explore how bio-based chemistry can become an industrial reality.
