After decades dominated by carbon fibre and glass fibre, the composites industry is entering a new phase driven by biocomposites—materials combining natural fibres such as flax, hemp, basalt and cellulose with bio-based or recycled polymer matrices. Rather than replacing traditional composites entirely, biocomposites are emerging as a sustainable alternative for an increasing number of industrial applications.
Market prospects are particularly strong. According to leading industry analysts, the global biocomposites market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12–16% through 2030, significantly faster than the overall composites sector. This expansion is being fuelled by stricter environmental regulations, circular economy strategies and growing demand for low-carbon materials.
The automotive industry is currently leading adoption. Manufacturers including BMW, Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are introducing natural-fibre composites for interior panels, seats, trim and semi-structural components. Swiss company Bcomp has become one of the sector's pioneers, with its ampliTex™ and powerRibs™ technologies already used in Formula 1, Formula E and the BMW M Neue Klasse concept.
The marine sector is also embracing these materials. Several yacht builders are testing flax-fibre laminates and bio-based resins for decks, interiors and secondary structures to reduce weight while improving end-of-life recyclability. At the same time, construction is becoming another major application area, where biocomposites are increasingly used for insulation panels, ventilated façades and prefabricated building elements thanks to their excellent mechanical performance and thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
The sports and leisure market is expanding rapidly as well. Bicycles, skis, surfboards, helmets and rackets are increasingly incorporating natural fibres, offering lightweight structures together with superior vibration damping and improved user comfort.
The aerospace industry remains more conservative because of demanding certification requirements. For the time being, biocomposites are mainly limited to cabin interiors and non-structural components. Nevertheless, several European research programmes are developing next-generation bio-based resins and high-performance natural fibres aimed at future aircraft applications.
Although challenges remain in terms of durability, moisture resistance and material standardisation, rapid technological progress suggests that biocomposites will become an increasingly important part of the advanced materials landscape, complementing carbon fibre wherever sustainability and high performance must coexist.
In the image: automotive component manufactured from natural fiber-reinforced biocomposite. Next-generation materials such as flax, hemp and bio-based resins help reduce weight, CO₂ emissions and environmental impact while maintaining high mechanical performance, opening new opportunities for sustainable mobility.
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16 July 2026
