Michelin ResiCare Partners with IMCD to Distribute Bio-Based 5-HMF in Europe

Michelin ResiCare has appointed IMCD Europe to distribute its bio-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) across Europe, ahead of the start-up of its first commercial production unit in France next year. The partnership supports the commercial rollout of the renewable platform chemical from 2027. IMCD will distribute 5-HMF produced at Michelin ResiCare’s site in Peage-de-Roussillon, providing logistics and local technical support to customers across Europe. Michelin is currently building a €60 million facility with a capacity to produce 3 kilotonne per annum of 5-HMF, with production due to start in early 2027. The move is intended to broaden access to the renewable platform chemical beyond Michelin ResiCare’s direct relationships with major industrial customers. 5-HMF is produced from fructose using green chemistry processes and is intended as a renewable alternative to certain fossil-based chemical intermediates. It can be used in bio-based thermoset resins, intermediates for petroleum-derived aldehydes, and applications across sectors including construction, transport, electronics, agriculture, cosmetics, and specialty additives.