1st commercial-scale production of 5-HMF, 1st hydrogen-based residential area, largest fuel cell system ever on major ship, and more: The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of February 20th

It’s fun to be 1st and this week is full of them…from the first hydrogen-based residential area in the Netherlands to the world’s first commercial-scale production plant of 5-HMF via AVA Biochem and Michelin Group’s new Joint Development Agreement. Times, they are a’changin’ and the news continues with the development of the largest fuel cell system to ever be placed on a major ship, a new joint venture with GF Biochemicals and Oman-based Towell Engineering Group to produce bio-based levulinic acid as well as bio-solvents and bio-plasticizers using the levulinic acid, and bioengineers and economists working together to map out how wood replace petroleum in the chemical industry (technologically as well as financially).

Let’s dive into the week’s Top 10 Innovations full of firsts.

#1 Greentech pioneer AVA Biochem teams-up with Michelin Group for commercial-scale 5-HMF

In Switzerland, AVA Biochem has entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the Michelin Group 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.

Ava Biochem has developed, patented and piloted a fully water-based process for the conversion of industrial sugars into the 100% bio-based molecule 5-HMF. This platform chemical is ideally positioned to replace petroleum-sourced chemicals in various mass-market applications, due to its versatility, non-toxicity and bio-sourcing. Applications include biopolymers (such as yarns, films, bottles and other packaging) as well as resins and adhesives, where 5-HMF replaces highly toxic formaldehyde.

“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 chemicals solutions and worldwide licenses to industrial and consumer goods groups”, says Peter Achermann, Chairman & Co-Founder of AVA Biochem.
More on the story, here.