BMW Embraces Natural Fibre Composites for Greener Cars
BMW now harnesses natural fibre composites made from renewable raw materials for its series-production cars, extending the technology first proven in high-performance racing vehicles. After years of rigorous research and development, BMW engineers, in partnership with Swiss clean-tech firm Bcomp, have achieved series maturity for flax-based lightweight components that meet the strict homologation demands of vehicle roof structures and other visible panels.
This collaboration, backed by BMW i Ventures’ investment in Bcomp, supports the BMW Group’s goal of lowering lifecycle emissions. Material tests confirm that natural fibres provide exceptional stiffness and surface quality for exterior and interior applications while delivering a markedly lower CO2e footprint than conventional carbon fibre. Swapping carbon fibre for natural fibre in the roofs of forthcoming BMW models reduces production-phase CO2e by approximately 40 per cent and unlocks additional end-of-life recycling benefits.
BMW M Motorsport introduced innovative reinforcement parts during the 2019 Formula E season and has since successfully raced them in the M4 DTM and M4 GT4, replacing carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. The upcoming 24-hour Nürburgring endurance classic will push the natural fibre roof of the BMW M4 GT4 to new extremes, providing a headline showcase for sustainable lightweight construction.
Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said, “Natural fibre composites are a vital element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport, allowing for a reduction in CO2e emissions in the manufacturing process. Natural fibre is an innovation that perfectly exemplifies BMW M’s claim, ‘Born on the racetrack and made for the streets.’. This is why we are delighted to confirm the series maturity of these materials, a breakthrough we achieved in collaboration with our official BMW M Motorsport partner, Bcomp. We are now looking forward to the use of these materials in future BMW M product ranges.”
