Natural Fibers for Composites
Natural fibers are gaining prominence as eco-friendly alternatives for reinforcing composite materials, offering renewable and biodegradable options. Derived from sources like jute, hemp, flax, and bamboo, these fibers are appreciated for their low cost, lightweight nature, and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional reinforcements. Natural fiber composites exhibit respectable strength and stiffness, often used in applications where their unique properties, such as vibration damping or acoustic insulation, are advantageous.
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Polestar 3 sets World Record for longest electric SUV journey on single charge
Unmodified Polestar 3, which uses natural fiber composites in its interiors, achieves 935.44 kilometers on a single charge on U.K. public roads.
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Bcomp natural fiber composites to enhance Sunreef catamarans
Innovative yacht manufacturer will use flax fiber-reinforced bio-based or recyclable resin to improve vibration damping, aesthetics and sustainability for its new 100 Sunreef Power cats.
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CEAD hybrid LFAM opens ways for KCL bio-based 3D printing
Partnership achieves compatibility of large-format additive manufacturing with KCL’s Formi biocomposite granules, building sustainable production options.
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SGL Carbon manufactures natural fiber prepregs for motorsports
SGL Carbon supplied prepreg materials made from Bcomp flax fiber fabric to Japanese company Tras Ltd. for the Toyota Hilux’s natural fiber body.
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ORGANIC project to 3D print bio-inspired structures with bio-based materials
EU-funded Horizon Europe project tackles lower production cost, enhanced sustainability and first-time-right parts fabrication through the fusion of biology, additive manufacturing and AI.
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Karl Mayer evolves multiaxial warp knitting systems to support natural fibers
The company is building opportunities to industrially produce sustainable technical textile composites, from its current COP Max 4/5 and Max Glass Eco offerings, to emerging future features.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
LEARN MORELatest Natural Fibers News And Updates
Fiber Elements raises €2.6 million seed funding for 3D basalt fiber
The company’s approach combines FEA with advanced manufacturing processes to create mineral composites that are 3X stronger than steel while weighing two-thirds less, aiming to replace steel reinforcement in construction.
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Materi’act launches NAFILean Vision biocomposite
NAFILean materials family blends low-carbon recycled plastics and renewable post-consumer sources like hemp fibers to provide a sustainable, visually appealing solution for automotive parts.
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Greenlander, Boxmanufaktur partnership expands natural fiber composites to customized vehicles
Boxmanufaktur builds up production capacity to support Greenlander Sherpa camper development, which will be made available for the Iveco Daily and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
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Colored natural fibers to be tested in Four Motors Porsche GT3 Cup
Bcomp, Porsche Motorsport and Four Motors are unveiling gray-toned components on the race car during 24H Nürburgring, showcasing new design and aesthetic viability for motorsport composites.
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Bcomp natural fiber composites to be used in future BMW Group production cars
Bcomp partners with BMW Group to integrate high-performance natural fiber materials into series production models, reducing CO2 emissions for exterior and interior car parts.
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European natural fibers emerge in bio-based architectural projects
The Alliance for European Flax Linen and Hemp highlights several projects in which flax and hemp fibers are being used, emphasizing their increasing use as high-performance, low-impact construction methods.
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Spanish startup to ramp up production of “recyclable” EV prototype
Liux’s BIG electric vehicle features multiple structural components manufactured via RTM from flax fabric and a thermoset resin said to enable the entire component to be recycled and reused again.
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JEC World 2025 highlights: Evolving recycling and biomaterials technologies
CW technical editor Hannah Mason shares sustainability-focused composites trade show highlights featuring maturation, scale-up, new partnerships, and new technologies in biomaterials and recycling.
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Composites end markets: Sports and recreation (2025)
The use of composite materials in high-performance sporting goods continues to grow, with new advancements including thermoplastic and sustainability-focused materials and automated processes.
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Biomaterials make strides toward composites sustainability
A compilation of trends in development or application of natural fibers, bio-based resins and more showcases industry players, educational institutes and global projects.
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Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.
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Airbus works to improve the life cycle of composites in future aircraft
This companion article to CW's September 2024 Airbus Illescas plant tour discusses recycling, LCA, biocomposites, Fast Track technologies, qualification and more.
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