BMW Reaches Series Production Milestone with Natural Fiber Composites

Summary

• BMW to use flax-based composites in future production models
• Debuted in BMW M4 GT4 during Nürburgring 24-hour race

BMW has officially reached series production readiness for natural fiber composites, marking a major step toward sustainable manufacturing across its future vehicle lineup. Developed in collaboration with Swiss clean-tech firm Bcomp, the flax-based materials have already proven their strength and performance in motorsport settings, including Formula E and the BMW M4 GT4. BMW’s adoption of these composites reflects a commitment to reducing CO₂e emissions, with early testing showing up to 40 percent lower emissions compared to traditional carbon fiber components.

The natural fibers have been validated for use in structural applications like roof panels, meeting strict homologation standards. By replacing carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with renewable flax-based composites, BMW not only reduces environmental impact during production but also considers the sustainability of parts at the end of their lifecycle. This breakthrough follows several years of research and motorsport experimentation, where lightweight demands meet extreme performance requirements.

Now slated for use in upcoming BMW M models, the material will undergo further testing during the grueling 24-hour Nürburgring race, reinforcing BMW M’s philosophy: “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.”