Flax-based composite sets new standards in automotive sustainability and performance
PARIS, Jan. 15, 2026 – PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced that the company, in partnership with BMW Group, BCOMP
Ltd, SGL Technologies and Cobra Advanced Composites, has won a prestigious JEC Innovation Award for a natural fiber
substrate that can replace carbon fiber in composites. The companies were presented with the award in the Automotive
& Road Transportation – Parts category at the JEC World 2026 composites trade show on January 12 in Paris.
PPG, in partnership with BMW Group, BCOMP Ltd, SGL Technologies and Cobra Advanced
Composites, has won a prestigious JEC Innovation Award for a natural fiber substrate
The winning innovation replaces traditional carbon fiber components with a flax-based natural fiber substrate
developed by BCOMP and coated exclusively with PPG’s advanced coatings system. This sustainably advantaged*
solution delivers a homogeneous premium surface while meeting BMW Group’s stringent specifications for
performance, aesthetics and complex requirements for series production.
PPG’s contribution includes a multilayer coating system adapted from its proven carbon fiber part technology,
featuring tinted clearcoat formulations, ensuring durability, color styling and a premium finish. This innovation
supports BMW Group’s commitment to sustainability without compromising quality or design.
“This recognition underscores the power of collaboration and innovation,” said Martin Zandeck, PPG
product engineering specialist, Automotive OEM Coatings. “Together with BMW Group and the other partners, we
are advancing sustainable mobility by combining natural fiber composites with high-performance coatings that deliver
durability and aesthetics without compromise.”
The project reflects PPG’s commitment to delivering solutions that enable customers to meet ambitious
sustainability targets without compromising quality or performance. Natural fiber composites offer significant
environmental benefits, including reduced carbon footprint and improved recyclability.
The JEC Innovation Awards celebrate innovative developments in composite materials and applications across multiple
industries.
For more information about PPG’s sustainability initiatives, visit ppg.com/sustainability.
*Sustainably advantaged products are defined using PPG's internal methodology that validates product attributes and
their contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While many of PPG products have sustainable
attributes in their end-use that promote longevity of customer assets, the company considers products sustainably
advantaged when they contribute to improved environmental outcomes or provide relative improvements over industry
benchmarks.
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty
products that our
customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’
biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we
operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. We serve customers
in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.
The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered
trademarksof PPG
Industries Ohio, Inc.
PPG Media Contact:
Camila Gazotto
Automotive OEM Coatings
+34 669 160 431
camila.gazotto@ppg.com
ppg.com