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The BMW Group is expanding its commitment in the field of sustainable, resource-saving vehicle components made from natural materials. Through its venture fund BMW i Ventures, the premium automobile manufacturer is now investing in the Swiss cleantech company Bcomp, the leading manufacturer of high-performance composites made from natural fibers. At the same time, the partnership in the field of motorsport is being expanded. Bcomp becomes official BMW M Motorsport partner when using the new BMW M4 GT4. In addition, BMW Group Research and Bcomp are forming a development collaboration with the aim of using a higher proportion of renewable raw materials for the production of components in future vehicle models.
Natural fiber components
The innovative reinforcement solutions from Bcomp were first used at BMW M Motorsport in 2019 in Formula E. With a cooling shaft made of flax, the BMW iFE.20 was the first BMW racing car with parts made from renewable plant fibers. Furthermore, the reinforcement solutions powerRibs™ and ampliTex™, developed by Bcomp and consisting of natural fiber composites, have already been able to replace selected components made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the BMW M Motorsport touring cars used in the DTM. This development underlines the important role of BMW M Motorsport as a technology laboratory for the BMW Group, which is now being continued with the collaboration on the BMW M4 GT4. Based on the knowledge and experience gained in racing, the new material technologies are also used in BMW M automobiles and in BMW M Performance Parts. “Sustainability in the product is also becoming increasingly important in motorsport. We are therefore delighted to be working with Bcomp as the official BMW M Motorsport partner for the equipment of the BMW M4 GT4,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.
Inspired by leaf veins, the powerRibs™ reinforcement solution developed by Bcomp ensures maximum rigidity with minimum weight by creating a 3D structure on one side of a thin-walled shell element. This enables the use of less base material and a reduction in weight, cost and consumables in production. The ampliTex™ reinforcements add a visible layer of flax fibers that replace the traditional cover material in a CO₂-neutral manner. By combining both materials, up to 70 percent of the plastic used in interior trim can be saved, while at the same time reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 60 percent. In this way, more sustainable vehicle components are created whose fracture behavior also increases safety compared to conventional composite materials. The natural fiber composites are also used in classic motorsport accessories, for example in the BMW M Performance Parts product range.
sustainable material solutions in future series vehicles
The development collaboration between the BMW Group research department and Bcomp is also working on the use of new sustainable material solutions in future series vehicle models. Research into innovative materials is an important part of the BMW Group's sustainability strategy, which aims to reduce CO₂ emissions over the life cycle of its vehicles by more than 2030 percent by 40 compared to 2019. The use of renewable raw materials and natural fibers such as hemp, kenaf or flax minimizes the use of materials and reduces the weight by up to 50 percent compared to conventional materials. As a result, they contribute to reducing the energy consumption of the vehicles in question. In addition, the natural materials go into the CO with a negative value2calculation, since the plants used can absorb CO₂ and release oxygen during their growth phase.
Natural fibers are currently particularly suitable for use in visible and cladding components in the interior. “In order to reduce CO₂ emissions for the entire vehicle fleet, the BMW Group not only keeps an eye on the usage phase, but also pays attention to energy-saving processes during production. An innovative selection and composition of materials is an important step on our way to climate neutrality,” explains Florian Preuss, BMW Group Head of Total Vehicle Development. The BMW Group has been investing in research and development in the field of renewable materials for several years in order to be able to meet climate targets and set new standards for sustainable premium quality. On the way to holistically sustainable product development, responsible use of resources and the transformation to a circular economy, the BMW Group is working in a targeted manner with start-ups and experienced material suppliers on future-oriented materials.
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