Michelin turns to biotechnologies for eco-friendly materials

With the “BioImpulse” project, Michelin aims to produce a new adhesive resin that does not contain substances of very high concern (SVHC). The development of a relevant biobased molecule will open up new avenues for the use of biotechnology in the materials field.

A total budget of $30.9 million (€28.1 million) will be available for the project implementation over the next six years. “BioImpulse” is a venture between public institutions and private sector players coordinated by the Michelin ResiCare business unit. The project was presented for the first time in early October 2019, in Brussels, at the European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology and Bioeconomy (EFIB).

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Bonding resins are used for high-strength bonded joints, for example in boats, aircraft, machine and vehicle construction. Conventional industrial adhesives usually contain components that are classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).

Michelin keep sustainable mobility in focus

Michelin, within the framework of the project, will produce a relevant bio-based molecule, which will serve as the starting point for the production of an adhesive resin with sufficient adhesive power. Thus, sustainable mobility is to be achieved right at the beginning of the value chain, i.e. with regard to the materials used.

Taking into account health, economic and environmental aspects, the focus is on environmental design, in particular in the production by fermentation and the use of second-generation biomass, i.e. agricultural and forestry waste that does not compete with food production. The construction of the first industrial production unit is scheduled for 2026.

Cooperation partners are the French Institutes of Technology (FCBA), Agronomy Research (INRA) and Applied Sciences (INSA) and Lesaffre. The project is also supported by the French program for the environment and energy, ADEME.

“With this research project in collaboration with our partners, Michelin is underlining its commitment to the environment, beyond tire manufacturing. We are making available our know-how in the field of sustainable materials to the entire industry,” explains Florent Menegaux, CEO of the Michelin Group.

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(Featured image by Pixabay via Pexels)

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