What is the Project?
SUSTAINABLE LIGHTWEIGHTING TO DECARBONISE THE WORLD – Bcomp decarbonises the world through high-performance bio-based materials. The company is offering solutions for a cleaner future without compromising performance, helping customers with first-class engineering support until they can successfully launch. It is a project that taps into natural fibre reinforcements to create high-performance solutions ranging from automotive interiors to space applications… truly an innovative way to reduce environmental impact.
Main Benefit
Key figures and facts include:
- Lower CO2 footprint: Reducing cradle-to-gate CO2 footprint by up to 85%* (depending on the specific application).
- Lightweight: Reducing weight of entire components by up to 50%* (depending on the specific application).
- Less plastic: Reducing use of plastic by up to 70%* (depending on the specific application).
- Circularity: Viable end-of-life solutions like recycling into a new base material or energy recovery from a renewable base material* (depending on the specific application).
Applications and Innovation
The project spans a wide array of high-performance applications. ampliTex™ technical fabrics and powerRibs™ reinforcement grids are used in advanced fields – from automotive and mass transportation to motorsports, luxury yachting, sports, infrastructure, aerospace and even space. These solutions build on the exceptional properties of renewable flax fibres to replace standard engineering materials, ensuring sustainability without sacrificing performance.
Manufacturing Processes
A close collaboration with industry leaders has optimised manufacturing processes for these natural fibre composite solutions. The techniques include compression moulding, where thermoplastic ampliTex™-PP pairs with a layer of NFPP to efficiently create light yet stiff components; back-injection moulding for easily integrating high-end parts with supreme visual quality; autoclave and prepreg compression moulding providing the best resin-to-fibre-weight ratio; resin transfer moulding offering countless aesthetic opportunities; and vacuum infusion, which leverages the same moulds as those used with carbon or glass fibres. It’s all about efficiency and quality in production.
Certifications and Company Milestones
The project is supported by reputable certifications, including IATF 16949: 2016, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISCC PLUS, and B Corp Certification. In terms of milestones, notable progress includes the Series C closing of USD 40M in 2024, a successful entry into serial automotive production in the new Volvo EX30 in 2023, and the Series B closing of USD 35M with strategic investors in 2022. Earlier achievements date back to 2019 when hundreds of cars in 16 racing series worldwide featured Bcomp natural fibre bodywork, marking its foundation in 2011.
Impact on Sustainable Development
- Sustainable Production: The approach reduces CO2 emissions and material usage, aligning with greener manufacturing methods.
- Innovation in Materials: Shifting conventional engineering materials to natural fibre-based solutions supports progressive industry standards.
- Environmental Conservation: Lower emissions and reduced reliance on plastics contribute towards a healthier planet.
- Circular Economy: The possibility of recycling or energy recovery at end-of-life reinforces sustainable product cycles.
Purpose and Values
Bcomp’s mission is crystal clear – to decarbonise the world through high-performance bio-based materials. The project exists to transform industries ranging from automotive to mass transportation and from motorsports to luxury yachting, consumer electronics, and infrastructure. Its core values emphasize collaboration, trust, empowerment, accountability, and continuous learning. With proprietary technologies like ampliTex™ and powerRibs™, the project not only meets demanding performance goals but also pioneers a new era of sustainable lightweighting… a true testament to environmental innovation.
