RYAM BioNova: French biofuels producer to decarbonize the transport sector

Launched in 2023, RYAM BioNova is the bioenergy and biomaterials subsidiary of the international industrial group RYAM, specialized in the production of high purety cellulose (HPC) products through wood-processing. The RYAM BioNova projects, developped near the existing RYAM sites, valorize the by-products of the RYAM HPC operations to produce biofuels and biomaterials for the European and North-American markets. RYAM BioNova has notably developed and built the first French biorefinery to produce second generation bioethanol – a key drop-in fuel for the transportation market. The third vintage fund of the SWIFT strategy has financed this first project, and has committed to further financing the development efforts, and construction of the following projects.

Competitive projects supported by an experienced industrial partner

NRYAM BioNova develops, builds, finances and operates biofuel and biomaterial plants in France and the US which use as feedstock source the by-products of the RYAM plants. Present on the complete value-chain – from development to operation, and benefitting from a unique feedstock source for its projects, RYAM BioNova occupies a strategic and competitive position on the biofuels and biomaterials market. The company has a portfolio of 5 projects, allowing RYAM BioNova to be active on multiple markets (bioethanole, CTO, lignosulfonates, prebiotics) while adressing a diversified base of customers. One unit has entered into operations to date, a second generation bioethanol plant – the first of its kind in France. Benefitting from over 95 years of experience in the operation of complexe industrial production processes in France, the US and Canada, RYAM is a key partner and co-investor.

Decarbonizing the hard-to-abate sectors

The transportation and chemicals sectors are key sectors to decarbonize to reach net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, as targeted by the Paris Agreement. The transportation sector is the first source of GHG emissions in multiple countries, notably in France, in which it represents 34% of all emissions in 2025.
The biofuels and biomaterials producent by RYAM BioNova directly support decarbonization of these hard-to-abate sectors as alternatives to the existing fossile products. This is indeed confirmed: a 91% GHG emissions reduction was mesured compared to standard gasoline following the ISCC audit performed on the RYAM BioNova bioethanol plant.
Driven by a progressive hardening of international and european regulation, as well as the development of the voluntary market through corporate and industrial commitments, the biofuels and biomaterials market is expected to grow strongly over the next years, presenting a real opportunity for competitive players who can address this demand. RYAM BioNova aims to be a key player on these markets.