The production capacity of 5-HMF, a molecule based on resins, would be only 500 to 800 tonnes per year in Asia. Resicare, a specialty chemicals subsidiary of Michelin, is targeting 1,000 to 5,000 tonnes annually with the plant it plans to set up in Europe.
A molecule obtained from wheat and corn
This molecule, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, does not exist via petroleum sources. ResiCare obtains it from wheat or corn, transformed into starch, then into fructose from which it is extracted. 5-HMF is described as a platform molecule for producing high-performance, non-toxic resins for use in paints, adhesives, biofuels, agriculture and food supplements.
One of the polymers that can be derived from it would make it possible to replace formaldehyde, a resin which will be subject to restrictions in Europe in 2026 in glues for wood panels. A sector in which ResiCare already has customers. The construction of the plant will be decided in January, with an ambition to commission it at the end of 2026.
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Source: www.usinenouvelle.com
