BMW receives JEC award for flax materials

BMW Group has won the JEC Composites Innovation Award in the Automotive and Road Transportation Parts category for its use of natural flax fibre composites in series-production exterior components, with the automaker describing the application as the most comprehensive use of such materials in the industry to date. The award was presented at the JEC World Premiere in Paris, recognising the German automaker’s development of sustainable materials for vehicle manufacturing.

BMW first announced the use of flax fibre composites in series-production vehicles in June 2025. The automaker said replacing carbon fibre roof panels with flax fibre alternatives can achieve a reduction in CO₂e emissions of around 40% during production, with additional benefits at end of life.

The development resulted from collaboration with partners Bcomp, Cobra Advanced Composites, and PPG Wörwag Coatings. The consortium worked to ensure natural fibre composites could meet series production requirements, including the quality standards needed for roof panels.

Herbert Negele, Head of Materials Development and Lightweight Construction at BMW Group, said: “This premise requires the continuous development of our materials towards sustainability, while continuing to meet the high demands of functionality, lightweight construction and design. The JEC Award confirms our approach and motivates everyone involved in the project to continue along this path.”

Source: BMW Group