BMW introduces natural fiber composites in production vehicles

BMW starts using natural fiber composites in production, reducing CO2e by 40%. Developed with Bcomp, first tested in M4 GT4 and Formula E.

BMW is taking a confident step toward a more sustainable automotive future. After years of rigorous motorsport testing, the company has officially announced that natural fiber composites are now ready for series production. But this isn’t just a technical milestone — it’s a signal of intent.

The secret lies in the material: flax fibers reinforced using the patented powerRibs™ technology, developed by Swiss cleantech company Bcomp. These composites deliver high stiffness while being significantly lighter and more eco-friendly than carbon fiber. BMW has been collaborating with Bcomp since 2019 and became an investor through BMW i Ventures in 2022.

Initially used in the BMW iFE.20 Formula E car, the materials found their way into the BMW M4 DTM, and now they feature extensively in the next-gen M4 GT4. Almost every part that used to be made of carbon fiber — from the hood and doors to the splitter, trunk lid, dashboard, and center console — has been replaced with Bcomp’s natural fiber components. The result? A massive reduction in weight and up to 85% lower CO₂e emissions during production.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword here. Replacing carbon fiber with flax-based composites in the roof structures of future production models alone reduces the carbon footprint by about 40%. These materials require less energy to produce, are sourced from renewable crops, and are recyclable. While BMW hasn’t disclosed which models will debut these components, it has confirmed they will be applied to both interior and exterior parts in upcoming vehicles.

BMW isn’t alone in this push. Porsche and Volvo have also invested in Bcomp, while Cupra and Polestar are already implementing the technology. It’s a telling sign that the industry is shifting toward bio-based materials, especially in applications where weight and rigidity are critical — like body panels of performance and premium vehicles.

Public consumer feedback is not yet available. However, given the rising importance of sustainability and responsible design, it’s reasonable to expect a favorable reception — particularly from buyers who value technology with a conscience.

The future, it seems, is being woven from flax. And if these materials can survive 24 hours at the Nürburgring, navigating city streets should be a breeze.