Michelin has announced the construction of an initial industrial demonstration unit for the 5-HMF molecule, a bio-based and non-toxic molecule capable of replacing fossil fuel-derived chemicals in a wide range of industrial applications.

The CERISEA2 project was created as part of a collaboration that included several academic, institutional and industrial interested parties. With partial funding from the CBE JU1 at the European level and the ADEME in France, this project represents a total expenditure of EUR 60 million. About 30 direct jobs will be created by it, and operations are anticipated to start in 2026. Located on the Osiris platform in Péage en Roussillon, France, this demonstration unit will have the potential to produce 3,000 metric tonnes of this molecule annually, making it the biggest manufacturing site in the world.

5-HMF, or 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, is a platform molecule that can have several different derivatives. Because it is non-toxic and bio-sourced, it may be used in lieu of substances that come from oil or other problematic sources. Because of its adaptability and capacity to substitute a variety of traditional molecules, it is referred to as the ‘Sleeping Giant’. This molecule is made from fructose that has undergone green chemistry transformations. As a result, 5-HMF will be among the few monomers that are bio-sourced, non-toxic, industrially accessible in thousands of metric tonnes and made in Europe using European raw materials.

This molecule is already utilised in the production of non-toxic adhesive resins created by Michelin ResiCare, which lowers the exposure of operators and consumers to hazardous materials. The manufacturing of this first industrial-scale equipment will enable cost reduction and supply protection for Michelin ResiCare. Additionally, it opens the door for novel materials to be marketed in a wide range of industries, including electronics, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, cosmetics and aeronautics. By 2030, the projects show that there might be a market of more than 40,000 metric tonnes.

To establish a manufacturing network for this bio-sourced chemical, 20,000 metric tonnes will be replicated through a licensing system in collaboration with the project's industrial partners. These sophisticated composite materials are opening up areas with significant development potential since they were designed to assure crucial functionalities at a scale smaller than the micrometre.

After finding a source at a high cost and little volume, 5-HMF was added to the Michelin ResiCare formulas for resins meant for use other than tyres in 2016. Initially, this was done for plyboard. Following an early effort with a different partner, Michelin partnered with the IFPEN in 2021 to create a more reliable fructose manufacturing method. Through engineering research and experiments at different sizes, the project will be completed by the end of 2023. 5-HMF is included in all of the new Michelin ResiCare formulas, including those for plyboard, abrasives and moulded components, even though it isn't currently utilised in tyres.

Maude Portigliatti, Director of the Polymer Composite Solutions division at Michelin and a Member of the Group’s Executive Committee, said, “The launch of this initial unit in France, to produce a bio-sourced molecule essential for green chemistry, is a major milestone for taking Resicare’s activities to an industrial scale. Created at Michelin in 2016, this start-up at the cutting edge of innovation will be able to speed up the development of its high-performance and non-toxic resin offers for manufacturers. This new demonstration of the Group’s innovative power, the fruit of years of joint research with our partners, also heralds the creation of a new European industry.”

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The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has sounded an alarm over an exceptionally difficult economic situation facing the rubber sector. Soaring raw material prices and persistently high energy costs, exacerbated by the Iran war, are coinciding with weak industrial demand. wdk Chief economist Michael Berthel noted an almost unprecedented economic disparity, as raw material costs approach historical highs from 2011 and 2022 while a lack of demand prevents any offset for manufacturers.

Since the final quarter of 2025, prices for key inputs have risen sharply. Natural rubber has jumped more than 40 percent within months, while butadiene-based synthetic rubbers have increased over 30 percent. EPDM synthetic rubber, carbon black and oil-based plasticisers have all risen more than 20 percent, with some individual chemicals exceeding 40 percent cost growth in just a few weeks.

Energy prices remain a major burden, with Middle East developments fuelling market uncertainty. Risks to international transport and supply chains persist, and German rubber companies are closely watching potential impacts on raw material availability and global logistics flows.

Berthel warned that firms face mounting pressure from high costs, geopolitical instability and structural disadvantages in Germany, with no short-term relief in sight. The industry depends heavily on fair and reliable partnerships across the value chain, as processing companies alone cannot absorb the current strain. He called for fair solutions and a shared understanding of this exceptional situation.

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The Rubber Board of India has confirmed the continuation of all existing central sector schemes for the 2026-27 fiscal year at unchanged rates. Financial aid for new planting will be restricted to estates utilising poly bag or root trainer plants sourced solely from Board-approved nurseries, with applicants required to submit the original purchase bill. This mandatory verification step aims to ensure quality and authenticity of planting materials used across the sector.

Support for rain guarding and spraying operations will be channelled exclusively through Rubber Producers’ Societies. These societies must include GST bills for all acquired materials when applying. The official timeline for submitting applications will be announced separately by the Board, giving producers adequate time to prepare documentation and coordinate with their respective societies before the deadline.

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The Rubber Board of India has announced a temporary engagement for a young professional within its Market Promotion Division, located at the RRII campus in Puthuppally, Kottayam. The selected individual will assist with division activities and promote ‘mRube’, the electronic trading platform for natural rubber.

Candidates must hold an MBA in Marketing or Agri Business Management with computer knowledge, while skills in digital marketing, sales or market research and proficiency in English and Hindi are preferred. Applicants aged up to 30 years as of 1 May 2026, will be considered for the one-year role, which offers a consolidated monthly pay of INR 25,000.

Interested individuals should send their applications to the Deputy Director (Marketing) at the Central Laboratory Building, RRII, Rubber Board PO, Kottayam – 686009 by 19 May 2026. Shortlisted names will appear on the Rubber Board’s website with interview details, as no separate communication will be sent.

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Bekaert has officially finalised its acquisition of Bridgestone’s tyre reinforcement operations in China and Thailand, after securing all necessary regulatory approvals and meeting standard closing conditions. The deal, now fully completed, marks a significant step in the Belgian company’s expansion strategy.

The transaction brings under Bekaert’s control two production facilities: Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd. in China and Bridgestone Metalfa (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Thailand. These plants specialise in manufacturing high-quality tyre cord products exclusively for Bridgestone tyres, and they will continue to supply Bridgestone under the new ownership, further deepening the longstanding partnership between the two firms.

Financially, the acquisition is expected to add roughly EUR 80 million to Bekaert’s annual consolidated sales. The EUR 60 million cash consideration for the deal was funded from the company’s available cash reserves.

Curd Vandekerckhove, CEO Rubber Reinforcement, said, “With the completion of this acquisition within our Rubber Reinforcement division, we are pleased to officially welcome the plant teams in China and Thailand to Bekaert. Our immediate focus is on a smooth transition and operational continuity while continuing to serve Bridgestone as a key strategic partner. The completion of the acquisition further strengthens the position of Bekaert in the tyre cord market, expands the global manufacturing footprint and deepens our longstanding partnership with Bridgestone. A long-term supply agreement ensures continued delivery of high-quality tyre reinforcement within a trusted supplier model.”

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