MICHELIN ResiCare, an industrial player committed to the development of renewable and high-performance chemical solutions, announces the signature of a distribution partnership with IMCD Europe, an international distributor of specialty chemicals. 

Within this framework, IMCD will ensure the European distribution of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), a strategic bio-sourced molecule produced at MICHELIN ResiCare’s industrial site in Péage-de-Roussillon (Isère). In addition to its direct approach with its major strategic accounts, MICHELIN ResiCare is relying on this partnership to expand access to 5-HMF by a greater number of manufacturers in Europe, thanks to a strengthened logistics offer and local technical support.  

Its production in France by MICHELIN ResiCare is a key step in securing European access to this molecule of strategic interest, for which demand is rapidly growing in the materials and formulation chemical industries. Start-up of the production unit is scheduled for the start of 2027; this will have an annual production capacity of 3,000 metric tons.  

A partnership to speed up the transition to renewable chemistry 

In partnering with IMCD Europe, MICHELIN ResiCare wants to quickly increase the availability of 5-HMF and its adoption by manufacturers. IMCD will provide its technical know-how, its knowledge of the markets and a distribution network that covers the entire European continent. MICHELIN ResiCare teams have been directly assisting major industrial chemistry stakeholders in evaluating 5‑HMF for various applications for over two years. Buoyed by these initial collaborations, the partnership with IMCD will now allow for broadening this dynamic to new players and to all of Europe.  

“This partnership with IMCD represents a major step forward in our desire to popularize the use of 5-HMF and to support the transition to a more responsible chemistry with its technical expertise, its capacity to support customers and its European location, IMCD is the perfect partner to speed up the distribution of this molecule of the future”, stated Laurent Lemonnier, CEO of MICHELIN ResiCare.  

With its consolidated presence in the polymers, advanced materials, and specialized formulations sectors, IMCD will assist manufacturers in the integration of 5-HMF within new applications, providing both technical and developmental support. IMCD is pleased with the trust accorded by MICHELIN ResiCare for the distribution of its bio-based 5-HMF solution. Its European production constitutes a major change to assist manufacturers with the transition to alternatives to fossil-based intermediates. Through this partnership, IMCD is confirming its commitment to innovation and the development of even more sustainable chemistry. 

Additional proof of MICHELIN ResiCare’s sustainable innovation strategy 

This partnership is fully in line with the strategy of MICHELIN ResiCare’s, which wants to develop solutions from renewable resources, reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing industries, and provide sustainable materials for future generations.