AVA Biochem has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the Michelin Group, in an attempt to further implement 100 per cent bio-based molecule 5-HMF into various materials and chemical applications.
The collaboration looks 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, and safety of a variety of both consumer goods and industrial products.
Peter Achermann, Chairman and Co-Founder of AVA Biochem, said: “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 chemical solutions and worldwide licenses to industrial and consumer goods groups.”
Christophe Rahier, Michelin Senior Vice President, Strategy and new businesses High Tech Materials, said: “This collaboration demonstrates the ability of AVA Biochem to master their new process. We will contribute to its know-how in the industrialisation 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.”