Rueil-Malmaison, France, 11 December 2025,
• Mature Technology: BioButterfly™ is currently the most advanced technology for producing biobased butadiene from bioethanol, with a favorable carbon footprint. The industrial demonstrator launched in July 2023 in Bassens confirmed the robustness of the process using both first and second-generation bioethanol.
• Validated Industrial Applications: The biobased butadiene was successfully used to synthesize BR and SBR rubber, meeting high-quality specifications for demanding industrial applications, particularly in the tire sector.
• Commercialization by 2026: The R&D phase is on track to be completed in the coming months, with technology homologation to follow shortly after. This milestone paves the way for global commercialization, supported by partners Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens.
Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens are pleased to announce 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.
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.
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.
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.
About Michelin
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people. (www.michelin.com).
About Axens
The Axens Group (www.axens.net) offers a complete range of solutions for the conversion of oil and biomass into cleaner fuels, the production and purification of major petrochemical intermediates, the chemical recycling of plastics, natural gas treatment and conversion options, water treatment and carbon capture. Their offer includes technologies, equipment, furnaces, modular units, catalysts, adsorbents and related services. Axens is ideally positioned to cover the entire value chain, from feasibility studies to start-up and monitoring of units throughout their lifecycle. This unique position guarantees optimum performance and a reduced environmental footprint. Axens' international offering is based on highly qualified human resources, modern production facilities and an extensive global network for industrial, technical support and sales services. Axens is an IFP Energies Nouvelles Group company.
To find out more, visit our website, and follow us on LinkedIn.
Contact press: press@axens.net
About IFPEN
IFPEN (www.ifpenergiesnouvelles.fr) is the French national institute for research, innovation and training in the fields of energy, mobility and the environment. Its teams develop innovations for a low-carbon, sustainable world, covering the entire chain from scientific concepts through to concrete solutions for industry.
From processes to equipment, products, software and services, the institute’s low-carbon innovations are paving the way for the energy and ecological transition and facilitating the emergence of the industrial sectors of the future.
To address the climate emergency, IFPEN is positioned as a key player in the ecological, energy and digital transition. Its ambition is to develop and demonstrate innovative, responsible and affordable technologies to meet the challenges of decarbonization, while supporting the reindustrialization and energy sovereignty of France and Europe. As a trusted third party, IFPEN provides its scientific and technical expertise to national and European public authorities to help develop their strategies.
To find out more, visit our website, and follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Contact press: press@axens.net
Contact press Michelin:
Hervé Erschler
Relations médias - groupe Michelin
Mobile : 0033 6 70 47 85 04 / herve.erschler@michelin.com
Contact press IFPEN:
Anne-Laure De Marignan (anne-laure.de-marignan@ifpen.fr)