Greentech pioneer AVA Biochem teams-up with Michelin Group to foster eco-innovation

Collaboration aims to establish the world’s first commercial-scale production plant of 5-HMF, and to ultimately bring novel product applications onto the market

AVA Biochem AG in Zug, Switzerland has developed, patented and piloted a fully water-based process for the conversion of industrial sugars into the 100% bio-based molecule 5-HMF. This platform chemical is ideally positioned to replace petroleum-sourced chemicals in various mass-market applications, due to its versatility, non-toxicity and bio-sourcing. Applications include biopolymers (such as yarns, films, bottles and other packaging) as well as resins and adhesives, where 5-HMF replaces highly toxic formaldehyde.

With the common goal to further implement 5-HMF in various materials and chemical applications, AVA Biochem has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the Michelin Group.

This collaboration aims to establish the world’s first commercial-scale production plant of 5-HMF, and to ultimately bring novel product applications onto the market based on this versatile chemical. These applications are all targeted to improve the performance, economics, sustainability (low carbon footprint) and safety (non-toxicity) of a variety of both consumer goods and industrial products.

“We are proud to be working together with one of the most innovative players in their industry. The collaboration with Michelin represents a powerful opportunity to develop eco-friendly industrial products. It is an important step forward in AVA Biochem’s ambition to become a preferred partner and key provider of sustainable chemicals solutions and worldwide licenses to industrial and consumer goods groups”, says Peter Achermann, Chairman & Co-Founder of AVA Biochem.

Christophe Rahier (Michelin Senior vice president, Strategy and new businesses High Tech Materials) says: “This collaboration demonstrates the ability of AVA Biochem to master their new process. We will contribute to its know-how in the industrialization and evaluation of the performance of these products in different applications. This collaboration also illustrates Michelin’s growing interest in “green chemistry”, in line with our sustainable development strategy and our vision of tomorrow’s mobility.”

 

Contact

AVA Biochem AG
Peter Achermann, Chairman & Co-Founder of AVA Biochem
Email: contact@ava-biochem.com

 

About AVA Biochem

AVA Biochem is the global leader in the industrial development, production, sale and licensing of the 100% bio-based platform chemical 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a renewable and non-toxic alternative to a range of petroleum-based materials. 5-HMF has a broad range of applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Since 2014, Swiss based AVA Biochem has been producing high-purity 5-HMF for research purposes and specialty chemicals markets, as well as technical-grade 5-HMF for bulk chemistry applications.

About Michelin

Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has more than 125,000 employees and operates 67 tire production facilities which together produced around 190 million tires in 2018.

Source

AVA Biochem, press release, 2020-01-31.

Supplier

AVA Biochem
MICHELIN

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