AVA Biochem has started commercial-scale production of the high-purity renewable platform chemical, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF, CAS 67-47-0). In a first phase, up to 20 t 5-HMF per year will be produced.

5-HMF is made from renewable feedstock. The production process is based on a modified version of the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process which achieves purity of up to 99.9 %.

In 2010, 5-HMF was identified as one of the top 10 most valuable platform chemicals by the United States Department of Energy. It is intensively being used in the research and development of innovative new materials and products, such as for polymers, resins, and additives.

• AVA Biochem BSL AG (AVA Biochem), Muttenz, Switzerland