by BMW presents an eco-friendly alternative to carbon fiber
BMW M has announced the use of composites made from natural fibers in future production vehicles. This material, developed in collaboration with the Swiss company Bcomp, has already been tested in racing conditions. It is made from flax and has similarities to carbon fiber but is more environmentally friendly.
The development of the material took several years. The main goal was to reduce the carbon footprint of auto components without losing their strength. BMW has already shown photos of parts made from the natural composite on the BMW M4 Coupe, including the roof and rear diffuser.
Environmental benefits
According to BMW, using such a roof allows for a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its carbon counterpart. The material also meets strict safety requirements. It was first used in Formula E back in 2019 and later in the M4 DTM and M4 GT4 racing models.
“Natural fiber composites are a key element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport,” stated Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M.
Likely, these parts will initially be available as an option for specific models, not as standard equipment. It will be interesting to see how their cost compares to traditional carbon elements.
Automotive manufacturing technology continues to evolve towards sustainability. The use of renewable materials, such as flax, opens up new possibilities for reducing the auto industry’s impact on the environment without compromising on quality and performance. BMW demonstrates that innovations can be not only powerful but also responsible.
