Natural-fibre-based composites in the automotive industry
After years of research, a new innovation made from flax, which also contains hemp, finally fulfils the strict requirements for series production in the automotive sector.
BMW has achieved a significant technological breakthrough after years of intensive research into natural-fibre composite materials. This new innovation in the field of lightweight components made from flax, which also contains hemp, finally fulfils the strict requirements needed for series production in the automotive sector.
Luisa P.
In the past, it has been difficult to integrate natural fibres into the automotive industry, as they generally have lower strength, lower stiffness and greater susceptibility to moisture and temperature fluctuations than synthetic alternatives such as carbon or glass fibres.
BMW, however, has successfully overcome these challenges in partnership with the Swiss cleantech company Bcomp. Together, they developed a flax-based composite that meets stringent crash-test requirements crucial for vehicle safety. Additionally, the material's low density significantly reduces weight compared to traditional components, offering an appealing advantage for automotive engineering.
The fact that this technology can also be used to build complicated roof structures has been practically proven since 2019, as BMW is already successfully using this natural fibre composite material in motorsport, including in its M4 GT4 racing model.
The environmental benefits of integrating these natural-fibre composites are substantial. According to BMW, implementing flax-based materials in vehicle roofs reduces CO₂ emissions in production—including end-of-life considerations—by approximately 40 per cent.
Moreover, these fibres originate from renewable sources, absorbing CO₂ during their growth phase and offering compostable or energy-generating disposal options at the end of their lifecycle. This stands in stark contrast to petroleum-based plastics, which have a notably inferior environmental footprint.
Luisa P.
BMW is not alone in this progressive approach. Volkswagen is also researching plant-based alternatives and is focussing on a hemp-based leather substitute to replace animal materials in vehicle interiors. Volkswagen hopes that this will improve animal welfare and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its vehicles, as hemp cultivation requires far fewer resources than traditional cattle farming.
These two examples may crystallise a transformative trend in the automotive industry. What can be said in any case is that they are great examples on the road to greater sustainability. This development is noteworthy because it proves that natural fibres, such as hemp, can also meet the high mechanical requirements of the automotive industry or perhaps many other industries if they are sufficiently researched.
The integration of more and more plant-based materials into our everyday lives is of great importance for sustainability and the future of our planet, so plant-based materials will certainly gain in importance in the future, and so possibly will hemp with its many sustainable properties.