Bcomp’s Breakthrough Year: Scaling Bio-Composites for a Sustainable Future

The past year marked significant growth for Bcomp, a leader in flax-based bio-composites, with achievements in funding, innovation, and partnerships.

In early 2024, Bcomp secured CHF 36 million (US$40 million) in Series C funding from investors like BMW i Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Volvo Cars Tech Fund, and Airbus Ventures. This funding reflects strong confidence in sustainable materials as the company expands across automotive, motorsports, infrastructure, and recreational sectors.

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Scaling in the Automotive Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

Christian Fischer, CEO and co-founder of Bcomp, discussed the challenges and successes of scaling a cleantech company in 2024. Scaling in the automotive sector is difficult because conventional plastic, glass, and carbon fiber supply chains remain deeply entrenched. However, Bcomp offers bio-composites that provide sustainable alternatives, meeting consumer demands for lower environmental impact.

Christian Fischer, CEO and co-founder. Courtesy of BComp.

As Bcomp grows, overcoming the premium costs of sustainable materials remains challenging, though regulatory incentives can help bridge this gap. Moreover, regulatory support will play a critical role in leveling the playing field for sustainable materials.

Bio-Composites Gaining Ground in Motorsports and Mainstream Automotive

For the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 programme, Škoda Motorsport and Bcomp collaborated to identify potential applications. Courtesy of BComp.

Bcomp’s bio-composites gained popularity in motorsports, where lightweight, sustainable materials are essential for performance and reducing carbon emissions. For instance, NASCAR’s BEV prototype featured natural fiber bodywork, marking its entry into the U.S. market. Similarly, partnerships with Škoda, Toyota Hilux, and Super Formula autonomous race cars further showcase Bcomp’s growing influence.

Additionally, Bcomp’s materials transitioned from race to road, as seen in concept cars from Kia, Škoda, and Italdesign. The bio-based seatbacks in the CUPRA Born VZ electric vehicle demonstrate successful integration into consumer models. Furthermore, Bcomp won the Altair Enlighten Award for collaborating on the BMW M Visionary Materials Seat. This recognition highlights their role in decarbonizing the volume of automotive manufacturing.

While advancing these projects, the company was nominated for large-scale production programs set to launch in late 2026, requiring expanded capacity.

Expanding Beyond Automotive: Bio-Composites in Infrastructure and Recreation

Bcomp’s flax-based technologies extend beyond automotive applications, with exciting new uses in infrastructure and recreational products. For example, the world’s first solar-powered ferry, launched in the Adriatic Sea, used Bcomp’s bio-composites for non-structural components. In architecture, Bcomp’s materials were used in cladding for the Cité Scolaire Internationale Jacques Chirac in Marseille, demonstrating sustainable design solutions.

Moreover, Bcomp’s ampliTex™ technology improved performance in recreational products like the ITACA bike from MCipollini and the SEQUENCE Ski Series from Movement. These diverse applications illustrate growing demand for bio-based materials that support decarbonization and circular manufacturing models.

Looking Ahead: Vision for 2025 and Beyond

“I’m excited to continue this journey with our talented team,” Fischer stated. “Together, we’re shaping a more sustainable future.”

The company remains committed to decarbonizing the automotive sector while scaling its operations in 2025 and beyond. Despite OEMs facing cost pressures and reliance on conventional supply chains, Bcomp’s bio-based solutions continue gaining commercial traction. The company is focused on scaling capacity, improving supply chain efficiency, and expanding its product portfolio.

Bcomp’s recent achievement of B Corp certification in 2024 underscores their commitment to sustainability. Moreover, the company remains dedicated to balancing high performance with environmental responsibility, advancing sustainability across industries.