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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Kia, Bcomp bring circular composites to Concept EV2 vehicle
Kia Corp.’s latest entry-level electric vehicle anticipated for launch in 2026 showcases ampliTex bio-based materials, highlighting the potential for sustainable interior solutions in everyday vehicles. 
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Engel supports composites upcycling research at TH Rosenheim
Engel Group has provided the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences with a vertical injection molding machine for further R&D into the processing of thermoplastic, recyclable composites and the application of natural fibers.
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Modern Mill introduces Acre composite for non-structural construction needs
Acre comprises upcycled rice hulls reinforced with a more natural PVC matrix, offering composite products that feature the warmth and workability of wood but in a more sustainable package.
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FibreCoat distribution agreement expands fiber products into China
Distribution of the aluminum-coated basalt fibers through Full-Case marks another step in FibreCoat’s goal to make its technology accessible worldwide.
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Bcomp, Tras bring bio-based composites to motorcycle racing
Both partners bring composites expertise to collaboration on new racing bike designs, pushing the limits of racing bikes with integration of bio-based materials.
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Metsä Group begins pre-engineering stage of Kuura wood-based fiber mill
The company is ramping up to industrial production of its textile fiber, applicable for reinforcing polymer composites, and launch of the Kuura business.
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The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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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.
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Latest Natural Fibers News And Updates
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.
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INCA Renewtech earns grant to complete biocomposites development, conduct consumer line trials
Alberta Innovates funding will drive refinement of INCA’s hemp fiber biocomposite, vertical integration by 2026 and trials with Tier 1 automotive customers.
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Metsä Group’s Kuura textile shows competitive GHG levels to existing commercial fibers
A recent LCA shows that compared to viscose, lyocell and cotton fibers, large-scale production of Kuura would result in less environmental impact.
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Natural Fibers Village hosts natural fiber innovations, industry updates
JEC World 2025: The European Flax-Linen & Hemp and nine of its members are exhibiting a range of flax and hemp fiber materials, services and products throughout the Village and JEC Planets.
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Michelman provides fiber sizing support for FibreCoat aluminum-coated basalt fibers
AluCoat, addressing applications requiring conductive and lightweight materials, integrates Hydrosize which provides the right balance of sizing for optimal processing, unlocking key fiber attributes.
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WH Lipex introduces lab and pilot-scale testing stations
Fiber-forming system’s compact design, advanced features and modular expandability supports fiber and sizing application R&D for academic research or industrial development.
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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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JEC World 2024 highlights: Glass fiber recycling, biocomposites and more
CW technical editor Hannah Mason discusses trends seen at this year’s JEC World trade show, including sustainability-focused technologies and commitments, the Paris Olympics amongst other topics.
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Optimizing machining for composites: Tool designs, processes and Industry 4.0 systems
Hufschmied moves beyond optimized milling and drilling tools to develop SonicShark inline quality control system and Cutting Edge World cloud platform for optimized tool use and processes.
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