Not quite the year we had expected, but still one of the most exciting years for sustainable lightweighting and for Bcomp. We have had the great pleasure to work with fantastic brands, from the sports- and motorsports sectors to automotive and marine – and a few others as well.
With this, a big thanks to everyone we collaborate with: customers and suppliers, organisations and institutes, interns, employees and other stakeholders. This journey is one of collaboration.
Here are a few highlights of 2020:
First natural fibre F1 seat with McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing announced the collaboration with Bcomp to develop F1’s first natural fibre composite racing seat. “The original carbon fibre seat design was reverse-engineered by Bcomp, and then we optimised and manufactured the new design. The seat was run in pre-season testing without any problems and we hope to be racing with Bcomp flax seats in the near future,” explains McLaren F1 Principal Composites Engineer Steve Foster.
Polestar Precept – sustainability, performance and luxury
Polestar launched the Precept, built using innovative and sustainable materials including our ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ to cut weight and reduce the amount of plastic in interior panels. This combination of performance, sustainability and design is a key moment in the future of mobility. Later in 2020, Polestar announced that Precept will be a production model.
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Polestar takes sustainability seriously
Full natural fibre body kit for the Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 CS MR
Porsche Motorsports teamed up with Bcomp, Manthey Racing and the Four Motors racing team to produce a full natural fibre body kit for the Cayman 718 GT4 CS MR. The body kit reduces the CO2 footprint and the risk for sharp shattering while providing viable end of life options and high cost efficiency. Four Motors will continue to race the kit in 2021, following the successful debut at the 24h Nürburgring race.
Baltic 68 Café Racer – sustainable luxury day sailer
Baltic Yachts, one of the leading makers of luxury yachts and at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the marine sector, has developed a new yacht, the Baltic 68 Café Racer. Built with sustainability in mind, not only is most of its hull made of natural flax fibre ampliTex™, but also parts the interior where flax is accompanied by other materials such as textile, wicker or paper cord for a simple design with attitude.
First natural fibre satellite panel with the European Space Agency (ESA)
The first natural fibre reinforced satellite panel, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) together with RUAG Space, IRS Stuttgart and Bcomp. Part of the ESA’s Clean Space initiative, this project demonstrates the exceptional versatility of Bcomp’s proprietary powerRibs™ and ampliTex™ natural fibre technologies, even in the most extreme conditions and environment.
First natural fibre crash box with YCOM
Successful first crash test of a natural fibre Front Impact Absorbing Structure (FIAS) built in ampliTex™ by advanced technology expert YCOM. With a reduced CO2 footprint, viable end of life options, and the absence of sharp debris in a crash scenario, this opens new areas of use, not only for bodywork but also for structural parts.
CAPiTA snowboards using fusion tape – the best of two worlds
CAPiTA has been handcrafting high performance snowboards for 20 years. Driven by innovation and performance they selected ampliTex™ fusion tape for the top models of their new 20/21 range – a hybrid weave of flax and carbon fibres, giving the rider the “pop” of carbon fibres and the outstanding damping properties of flax fibres.
ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ in body panels of the Volta Zero from Volta Trucks
The world’s first 16-tonne all-electric vehicle designed for freight deliveries in urban centres, was built by Volta Trucks using ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ body panels to reduce weight sustainably. With a holistic approach to the development of this Volta Zero, “Volta Trucks wants to spearhead the rapid change in large commercial vehicles, from outdated diesel to clean and safe technological solutions” says Carl-Magnus Norden, Founder of Volta Trucks.
The DTM announces Bcomp as technical partner for sustainable lightweighting
The DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) has opened its technical regulations to include natural fibres for mandatory parts, thus reducing environmental impact and improving safety aspects vs. carbon fibres. The DTM shoebox is made using ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ for a lightweight, high performance sustainable part.
Melker of Sweden uses ampliTex™ for kayaks and paddles
Melker of Sweden has the goal of creating innovative outdoor products with a low environmental impact, without sacrificing performance and design. Today they use Bcomp’s ampliTex™ range to create beautiful kayaks and paddles that are light, durable, and stiff with high damping properties.
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