BMW Group is set to bring natural fibre composites developed for motorsport into its production vehicles.

The technology, created in partnership with Swiss clean-tech firm Bcomp, uses flax-based materials that offer a significantly reduced CO2e footprint compared to traditional carbon fibre.

Following extensive testing, BMW has confirmed the materials are ready for series production, including for critical structural components such as vehicle roofs.

The BMW Group began working with Bcomp in 2019 to explore alternatives to carbon fibre. The flax-based composites were first used in BMW M Motorsport’s Formula E programme and have since featured in the M4 DTM and M4 GT4 models. BMW i Ventures, the company’s venture capital arm, holds a stake in Bcomp.

One of the clearest benefits has been a 40% reduction in CO2e emissions in the production of roof structures, alongside end-of-life recycling advantages.

Testing has shown the natural fibre composites meet the high strength and durability requirements needed for exterior and interior use in series vehicles.

Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said: “Natural fiber composites are a vital element of innovative lightweight solutions in motorsport, allowing for a reduction in CO2e emissions in the manufacturing process.

“Natural fiber is an innovation that perfectly exemplifies BMW M’s claim ‘Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.’.

“This is why we are delighted to confirm the series maturity of these materials, a breakthrough we achieved with our official BMW M Motorsport partner Bcomp.

“We are now looking forward to the use of these materials in future BMW M product ranges.”

The BMW M4 GT4 fitted with the new components will be put to the test at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring.