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Natural Fiber Reinforcement Fabric in Composite Matrix for Pressing Manufacturing Process

Status: Need is Closed

Request Number

NG_2018_0131_N_090
Due Date
May 28, 2022
Point of Contact
Need was closed on
May 30, 2022

Needs Title

Natural Fiber Reinforcement Fabric in Composite Matrix for Pressing Manufacturing Process

Description

BMW Group is seeking  high-quality, natural fiber reinforcement fabric in composite matrix that can be used for interior components of automotive by pressing manufacturing process.

Background

As a global company, the BMW Group is committed to a clear path to achieve the 1.5° C target that is set for limiting global warming. By 2030, the CO2 emissions per vehicle and kilometer driven have to be at least halved from 2019 levels. The CO2 emissions along the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including production and upstream supply chain, need to be reduced by 40% in 2030.

One of its approaches is to promote renewable raw materials as input for its vehicle production. BMW strongly believe this approach will align with consumer demand for sustainable products. In this connection the natural fiber composite that is being sought should be derived from sustainable raw materials and should be light weight and have excellent mechanical properties. The proposed material should have the flexibility of achieving novel design by pressing manufacturing process in such a manner that it enhances the appearance of the vehicle interior in such a way that the customer can immediately perceive and experience sustainability as a premium characteristic. The search request specifically targets CO2-neutral materials that have the potential to replace conventional fossil materials during production of interior parts such as cockpit, door trim, seat back panel, etc.

BMW Group is therefore seeking innovative solutions from companies, academics, R&D labs to address the above challenge.

Key success Criteria

BMW is seeking innovative materials that fulfill the following criteria:

  • Material derived from renewable feedstock
  • Convert to end products using established pressing manufacturing process
  • Material properties that are appropriate for automotive application
    • Light weight and mechanical properties comparable with conventional materials
    • Compatible for obtaining novel design products that is appropriate for car interiors
  • Competitive in terms of pricing
  • Supported by material data sheet with information on the CO2e footprint
Possible Approaches
  • Derived from sustainable raw materials such as flax, bamboo, jute, cotton, hemp etc.
  • Natural fiber reinforcement fabric in composite matrix for end product manufacturing by pressing process
  • Both early-stage solutions and mature solutions (suitable for commercial application in less than 3 years)
Approaches not of Interest
  • Material produced via injection molding
  • All fossil-based materials and livestock products
  • Technologies that do not have the perspective to meet the standards of the automotive industry
  • Technologies that are harmful to the environment
  • Technologies with high maintenance and servicing requirements
  • Solutions that do not meet the above success criteria
Preferred Collaboration Types

Client Point of Contact

Benedikt Jaeger
Gallery Moderator(s)
Erika Biserni
Request Number
NG_2018_0131_N_090