Bcomp, SFG Composites to scale up automotive flax fiber
Bcomp natural fiber reinforcements are to be integrated into SFG compression molded technology and manufacturing processes, clearing the way for continued support in vehicle design.
Source | Bcomp
Bcomp (Fribourg, Switzerland) is strategically collaborating with (previously Solico Composites, Dubai, UAE) to bring flax fiber composites to the automotive industry. This collaboration will provide manufacturers with a high-performance, lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic, glass and carbon fiber-based materials, helping drive the transition toward more sustainable vehicle production.
With growing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for greener solutions, the automotive sector is seeking scalable and cost-effective sustainable materials. Bcomp’s ampliTex and powerRibs flax fiber technologies are well-suited for interior and structural applications. High-performance bio-based materials also offer new possibilities in automotive interior aesthetics with enhanced cosmetic options and mechanical properties that are sustainable by nature. Bcomp’s natural fiber composites are already used by automotive companies like BMW Motorsport, Volvo and Cupra.
“Through this collaboration with SFG Composites, we can scale the adoption of natural fiber composites,” says Johann Wacht, Bcomp manager of business development and strategic customer relationships.
SFG Composites, with its ISO9001-certified, 53,000-square-meter production hub in Dubai, will integrate Bcomp’s flax fiber reinforcements into its compression molded technology and manufacturing processes. Operating 365 days a year with 11 presses and a manufacturing capacity of up to 6,000 tons, SFG ensures high-capacity, precision production that enables automakers to seamlessly transition to natural fiber composites at an industrial scale. SFG is a Tier 1 qualified supplier for the automotive industry and has also completed projects in the racing car sector.
“Bcomp has been a trusted partner of SWS Board Technology, part of the same family group of businesses, for a few years,” says Ines Polewka, business development director at SFG Composites. “Now, by extending this collaboration to SFG Composites, we can bring the same sustainable innovation to the automotive sector.”
Bcomp cites the following advantages to using natural fiber composites in vehicle design versus more traditional materials:
- Reduced weight by up to 50% versus similar plastic parts, with equivalent performance, improving fuel efficiency and EV battery range
- Up to 60% lower COâ‚‚ footprint versus similar plastic parts
- Increased safety performance with no sharp edges versus carbon fiber
- Enhanced vibration damping, increasing ride comfort
- Circular opportunities to large-scale industries including for inevitable scrap that can be recycled into a new base material
- A full new range of sustainable design possibilities by using woven and nonwoven natural fibers to fit the language of a brand
- Seamless integration into existing automotive process from one-step back-injection to compression molding.
Bcomp and SFG Composites are showcasing flax fiber composite solutions at JEC World 2025.
Visit Bcomp at Booth A63 in Hall 5 and SFG Composites in Booth C142 in Hall 5.
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