Bcomp’s flax-based materials are set to transform the use of materials in exterior road car parts, thanks to their high mechanical properties, as well as novel design options. Bcomp’s materials are set to offer automotive manufacturers a high-performance, customisable alternative to traditional carbon fibre. With proven manufacturing compatibility and a unique aesthetic signature, these sustainable materials are unlocking fresh design possibilities for the next generation of vehicles.
From motorsport to automotive exteriors
Since the introduction of full-natural fibre layup of powerRibs™ technology, a reinforcement grid inspired by leaf veins, and the ampliTex™ technical fabric in 2018 the company has proven that flax composites can match the stiffness and weight of a monolithic carbon fibre composite part in the high-performance world of motorsport. By 2019, hundreds of cars across racing series were racing with ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ natural fibre bodywork. Major collaborations include the 2020 full natural fibre bodywork kit on the Cayman 718 GT4 CS which was developed with Porsche Motorsport and the 2022 BMW M collaboration – which brought flax fibre bodywork components into the hood, front splitter, doors, trunk, and rear wing into BMW’s M4 GT4 series race cars.
Motorsport’s rapid development cycles and extreme performance demands created an ideal proving ground, allowing Bcomp to test, refine, and validate its materials at record speed. The insights gained over seven seasons have now been transferred to mainstream manufacturing, enabling the new automotive grade generation of high-performance flax fibre composites to meet quality, durability, and cost targets for high‑volume automotive production. The technology that won world championships on the racetrack is now fully road‑ready for the exterior panels of mass‑produced passenger cars.
Fully customisable colour and trim opportunities
By using woven natural flax fibres to replace traditional petroleum-based materials, Bcomp’s materials deliver on sustainability while offering exciting design possibilities which can be fitted to the unique design language of every brand. The ampliTex™ range of technical flax fabrics provides a sustainable alternative for high-end automotive design, enabling a large variety of new weave, colour and trim options for automotive exteriors.
When ampliTex™ is pre-impregnated with polypropylene, thermoplastic natural fibre sheets for large-scale applications can be used in traditional injection moulding and combined with NFPP for compression moulding. OEM customers have the freedom to fully customise their flax-composite parts for aesthetics through a wide range of yarns , weaving pattern, and colours to match design needs with performance requirements in large-scale automotive exterior and interior applications.
Natural fibre properties in diversified applications
Beyond the wide variety of novel design options, ampliTex™ has other inherent characteristics that make these flax parts perfect for exterior applications. ampliTex™ technical fabrics are UV resistant, dampen vibration and have high radio transparency, an essential property given the increased number of sensors used within cars.
From a sustainability standpoint, the use of flax-fibres provides up to 85% CO2 reduction in the initial energy expenditure to produce the material compared to similar carbon fibre parts. Additionally, these materials provide end-of-life alternatives through thermal energy recovery.
Designed to work seamlessly with current production processes
Collaborating with Bcomp provides OEMs with the freedom of choice for manufacturing process depending on the mechanical requirements, desired look and the production volume of each car. ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ reinforcements can be used in similar moulds as carbon and glass fibres, making for an easy transition to a more sustainable material.
Thermoset autoclave, which is most suitable in small to medium high-performance sports cars production, is used to produce these exterior as well as internal parts. Bcomp’s reinforcements are available as prepreg material, providing the best resin-to-fibre-weight ratio for natural fibre parts in this process. The tailored nature of the company’s production process enables OEMs to collaborate with Bcomp’s engineering team who supports customers in the design for both autoclave and RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) parts.
The future of sustainable exteriors is ready for implementation and scaling
Bcomp’s flax-based technical materials are now ready to be integrated into the volume manufacturing of serial vehicles. They are fully validated for the automotive industry, offering UV resistance and resilience against aging, as well as being IATF 16949 certified – the most widely respected standard in the automotive industry for quality manufacturing. After years of experience in exterior bodyworks in motorsport the technological transfer into automotive will lead to a new age of design, where every exterior element carries a story of innovation and collaborative craftsmanship, while caring for the environment.
Ready to explore the possibilities?
Whether it’s integrating natural textures, experimenting with customised patterns, or simply bringing a sustainable edge to your vehicles, Bcomp’s material solutions offer new possibilities that seamlessly integrate with existing manufacturing processes. Being already established in automotive interior design, the approval for exterior parts opens new possibilities for OEMs. They represent a future where the new standards for performance and design are sustainable by nature.
Let’s work together to create a world where innovation and sustainability drive the design of automotive and mobility.
More information
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