Room: Yangtze 2
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 11:30 - 12:45 CEST
Session code ICO.2
Production of biomaterials, bioproducts & biochemicals in industry
The BioButterfly Project: A Successful Demonstration of an Innovative Process for Bio-based Butadiene Production
Short Introductive summary
In response to the need for sustainable alternatives to fossil based butadiene, Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens launched the BioButterfly project in 2012 to develop a bio-based process for producing on-purpose butadiene from bioethanol. After intensive R&D efforts, the construction of a demonstration plant has been decided in 2019. This facility, which represents an investment exceeding €20 million, has a production capacity of 5 kg/h. It has been operated from 2023 to November 2025. This work will first provide a detailed overview of the demonstration plant’s operational units. Then, key operational feedback and lessons learned will be discussed. Finally, the performance results of the catalytic reaction section will be presented
Presenter
Olivier THINON
IFP Energies nouvelles, FRANCE
Biographies and Short introductive summaries are supplied directly by presenters and are published here unedited
Co-authors:
O. Thinon, IFP Energies nouvelles, Solaize, FRANCE
S. Couderc, IFP Energies nouvelles, Solaize, FRANCE
R. Dastillung, IFP Energies nouvelles, Solaize, FRANCE
N. Cadran, IFP Energies nouvelles, Solaize, FRANCE
J. Pogourier, Axens, Rueil-Malmaison, FRANCE
X. Liege, Axens, Rueil-Malmaison, FRANCE
C. Fernandez-Coutant, Michelin, Bassens, FRANCE
J.C. Gabelle, IFP Energies nouvelles, Solaize, FRANCE
Session reference: ICO.2.4