Circle Supernatural running show with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-TPA) foam midsole made with Arkema Pebx Rnew, a partially bio-based elastomer. The knitted textile upper is placed in the mould along with the durable TPE outer sole, and over-moulded with TPE using Mucell physical foam technology. This creates a lightweight and durable shoe with excellent rebound and recovery.

Cross-section through a concept automotive seat by Johnson Controls and Camisma, manufactured with a combination of thermoforming and injection moulding. Sheets of continuous and unidirectional 12k carbon fibre and in-situ cast PA12 are combined with powder impregnated PA12 nonwoven recycled carbon fibre. They are placed into the mould and thermoformed, prior to back injection moulding of the rib structure using 30% long glass fibre filled PA12. Compared to a steel equivalent this structure saves 50% of the weight.

Concept automotive seat by Johnson Controls and Camisma, manufactured with a combination of thermoforming and injection moulding. Sheets of continuous and unidirectional 12k carbon fibre and in-situ cast PA12 are combined with powder impregnated PA12 nonwoven recycled carbon fibre. They are placed into the mould and thermoformed, prior to back injection moulding of the rib structure using 30% long glass fibre filled PA12. Compared to a steel equivalent this structure saves 50% of the weight.

The Prada America's Cup sneaker features a natural rubber upper over-moulded onto knitted textile.
Relevant materials
Natural rubber, NR, Rubber

Woolchemy NeweZorb is an ultra-absorbent, breathable textile that can absorb over 10 times more moisture than its original weight while still feeling dry and comfortable. It offers an alternative to synthetic textiles in hygiene applications, such as diapers (nappies), incontinence and feminine hygiene products. Image Woolchemy.
Relevant materials
Wool, Sheep wool

Kvadrat Really materials are produced from recycled textiles collected from production waste, industrial laundries, the fashion industry and Kvadrat’s production and supply chain. The textiles are sorted by colour and re-milled in Denmark. Subsequently, the fibres are either blended into standard products or used to create a nonwoven base for Kvadrat Really materials, such as acoustic solutions and panels for furniture and interiors. The compressed panels are made with 9% bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) and 17% bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) binder. According to the company's environmental product declaration (EPD), Kvadrat Really has a carbon footprint of 0.95 kgCO2/kg in the production phase (excluding use and end of life). The standard product is 10 mm thick and 1100 x 3000 mm, weighing 29 kg. This gives a density of around 88 kg/m3. Image Kvadrat.

Woola develop recycled wool based textiles that provide an alternative to plastic bubblewrap for packaging delicate items during transportation. The recycled wool fibres are bound with a small proportion of polylactic acid (PLA), which the company are phasing out to go plastic free. Image Woola.

Coffee sacks made from woven textured polypropylene (PP) spun to mimic the colour and natural variability of jute fibre

Door impact bar test part for the Audi A4 consisting of several layers of woven glass fibre in a polyamide (PA-GF), nylon, matrix. The PA-GF organo is thermoformed into the shape of the mould and then back injection moulded with short fibre PA-GF. The result of a collaboration between Audi AG, Bond Laminates, the Institute for Composite Materials, Jacob Plastics, Lanxess, and KraussMaffei, this is a mass-producible composite suitable for safety-critical automotive applications. It is known as SpriForm and FiberForm.

Paddleboard race fin, by John Becker for Larry Allison, using woven glass fibre reinforced polyester resin with colour

Platilon partially-bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (bio-TPU) film from BASF, welded to make an inflatable insulating jacket. Designed by Axis Design Studio.


Yacht racing sail, featuring unidirectional aramid and carbon fibres, laminated between thin films of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), polyester. This combination produces an exceptionally lightweight sail capable of maintaining its flying shape even under extreme wind loads.

A woven textile, produced with polypropylene-based elastomer (TPO) monofilaments

Spinks Springs micro spring held within pockets formed from warp knitted polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, spacer textile

Stainless steel wire mesh, type 304, used for architectural cladding, facades and fences, as well as interior room dividers and covers.

Knitted stainless steel 304 fabric for upholstery, interiors and apparel by Inntex, embossed with a floral motif. Photo courtesy of Inntex.

Beadazzled flexible glass bead wall covering, bonded onto nonwoven polyester fabric, handmade by Maya Romanoff
Relevant materials
Soda lime glass, Glass

Silver coated nonwoven embossed polyamide (PA), nylon. The thin metal layer is applied by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). These materials are used for shielding applications in products and interiors.

LED dress, Autumn/Winter 2007 collection, by Hussein Chalayan. A wearable LED display beneath chiffon silk covered in Swarovski crystals

Nelson Bubble Lamp, by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1952, formed by spraying a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with a webbing agent (which causes the PVC to form filaments) onto a steel wire frame, and finished with a layer of pure PVC spray coating

Loop pile cushion carpet, made from continuous extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) filaments.

Art Basel PVC carrier bag, designed by Barnbrook, manufactured by Progress Packaging, stitched label. Image Progress Packaging.


Art Basel PVC carrier bag, designed by Barnbrook, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

BASF Elastopan polyurethane resin (PUR) moulded directly onto fabric. Applied in footwear and protective clothing, for example, it offer excellent physical properties like flexibility, abrasion and hydrolysis resistance, durability and low density.

BASF Elastopan polyurethane resin (PUR) moulded directly onto fabric. Applied in footwear and protective clothing, for example, it offer excellent physical properties like flexibility, abrasion and hydrolysis resistance, durability and low density.

Waste vegan leather made with bio-based polyurethane resin (bio-PUR) and waste tea leaves. A durable and resilient material, it is suitable for applications in fashion, apparel, interiors, furniture, upholstery and automotive.

BASF Haptex artificial leather made with polyurethane resin (PUR). It is a very durable textile used in many different applications, such as footwear, fashion, furniture upholstery and automotive interiors. Image BASF.

An outdoor carpet, in nonwoven polypropylene (PP), with polyurethane resin (PUR) nubs on the backside to keep the fabric off the floor and so allow water to drain away.

A composite bolster for Daimler by Valeo Thermal Systems, designed to replace a hybrid steel plastic moulding. The bio-based composite solution consists of flax reinforced polypropylene (PP-FF) woven unidirectional tape over-moulded with glass fibre reinforced PP (PP-GF). Compared to the hybrid steel weight is reduced by around 40% and the CO2 footprint reduced by around 40%, while part price is increased around 15%.

Nonwoven compressed flax fibre and polypropylene (PP-FF) panel for automotive interior applications. With heat and pressure, the PP fibre melts and bonds the flax fibres together to make a lightweight and impact resistant panel. Moulded by Weav3D.

Beltline stiffener door component manufactured by Weav3D and Braskem using a mix of unidirectional glass fibre and carbon fibre, combined with polypropylene (PP-GF and PP-CF). This component was designed to replace a carbon fibre reinforced polyamide (PA-CF), nylon, saving 23% weight and 50% cost. The PA-CF solution was originally designed to replace steel.

Part of a beltline stiffener door component manufactured by Weav3D and Braskem using a mix of unidirectional glass fibre and carbon fibre, combined with polypropylene (PP-GF and PP-CF). This component was designed to replace a carbon fibre reinforced polyamide (PA-CF), nylon, saving 23% weight and 50% cost. The PA-CF solution was originally designed to replace steel.

Close-up of meltblown polypropylene (PP). The ultra fine fibres are welded in a diamond pattern to lock them in place. This kind of textile is used for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, as well as filtration (ink cartridges) and acoustic insulation (kitchen appliances and automotive).

Twill-woven glass fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP-GF60) textile. Before it is consolidated with heat and pressure to form a rigid composite, it is highly drapeable and so able to conform to the mould.

A roll of non-crimp (unidirectional) glass fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP-GF60) textile, before consolidation (heat and pressure). The unidirectional fibres are laid at 45 and -45 deg, top and bottom.

Trampoline fabric in monofilament polypropylene (PP) basket weave, calendered (fused with heat and pressure between polished rolls) to reduce movement between the fibres, and screen printed with white logo. The PP is UV stabilised, so it can tolerate weathering for 10 years or more

Disposable hospital privacy curtains, produced from spunbonded polypropylene (PP), pleated with heat and pressure

High speed compression moulded polypropylene with continuous glass fibre reinforcement (PP-GF60) using Roctool’s induction heating mould technology.

Polypropylene (PP) knitted fabric moulded with heat and pressure to form a permanent 3D structure

Embossed woven polypropylene (PP) fabric

Suitcase featuring moulded self-reinforced polypropylene (SR-PP), manufactured by DIT Weaving

S-Works road cycling shoe by Specialized. The upper is made with Dyneema CT9HW6 ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) laminated to a polyester face to provide an ultralight shoe with very low stretch to ensure maximum transfer of power.

The North Face Summit series Dyneema jacket made with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). It is incredible lightweight, durable and waterproof. The material is puncture- and tear-resistant. The only stitches are for the zip. All the other seams are welded.

Moncler Grenoble winter jacket utilises Dyneema ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to provide a super light and ultra high performance outer layer.

Artificial grass, produced with extruded high density polyethylene (HDPE) yarns (profiled to mimic grass), tufted onto a nonwoven PE backing layer.

Midsummer light, by Tord Boontje for Artecnica, 2004, in die cut Tyvek synthetic paper

Midsummer light, by Tord Boontje for Artecnica, 2004, in die cut Tyvek synthetic paper

Stretch wrap produced with UV-resistant polyethylene (PE) film, which in this case is used to wrap bales of silage for animal feed.

Seed of Love bag, designed by Ross Lovegrove for Tokyo Fiber Sensware exhibition, 2009, produced by Sakase Adtech (fabric) and Unitika (fibre). It is made from triaxial woven fabric consisting of heat-fused polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester fibre. The fibre is a core-sheath filament with a lower melting point polyester in the sheath. With heat, the sheath is melted and fused without affecting the core.

Nonwoven textile made up of sisal mixed with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester fibres. With heat and pressure, the polyester melts and so, when cool, bonds the sisal fibres in place.

Woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester fabric, coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) teflon. This creates a lightweight, durable and waterproof fabric suitable for a range of sportswear applications.

A composite of glass fibre and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, with a plain woven, yellow, polyester top layer, moulded with heat and pressure

Kolon perforated synthetic nonwoven suede produced from recycled polyester. It is used for automotive interiors, furniture, luxury goods and interiors.

Kolon synthetic nonwoven suede produced from recycled polyester. It is used for automotive interiors, furniture, luxury goods and interiors.

Ducting made with low-pressure compression moulded nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester fibre. Ribs are integrated into the moulding for added stiffness.

AccessMat, providing access routes on difficult surfaces for pedestrians and people with reduced mobility (PRM) or in wheelchairs, woven with high-strength polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, monofilament.

Nonwoven recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, needle punched into a loose fabric, low pressure compression moulded with heat to form a dense semi-rigid material suitable for furniture and automotive applications.

Low-pressure compression moulded polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, nonwoven trim, with excess to be removed

Monday Lamp, by Aleksej Iskos for Muji, uses Kvadrat Reiko polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fabric.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, spacer fabric produced in a single Raschel warp knitting process, consisting of multi-filament faces and stiff mono-filament spacer yarns

Monday Lamp, by Aleksej Iskos for Muji, uses Kvadrat Reiko polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fabric.

Paper Cube lamp, by Bertjan Pot for Hay, consists of stitched sheets of plastic made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, bottles

Laminated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, felt acoustic panels with CNC machined V-grooves

Multi-layer knitted polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fabric with inlaid polyester yarn.

Multi-colour spacer textile automotive seat upholstery, manufacturing with Raschel warp knitting in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester.

Sequins bonded to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, knit fabric

Air Jordan XIX, 2004, featuring Techflex braided polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, monofilament textile in place of a conventional tongue

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge speaker, featuring stretch polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fabric cover.

Whistles woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, bag with knitted polyester mesh outer, screen printed white. Manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

Woven laminated airbag made with polyamide (PA), nylon, fibre and a fluid silicone coating. Alternatively, an impermeable film is laminated onto the nylon fabric to help maintain air pressure when inflated. The seams are welded for maximum resistance to tearing.

Echo paraglider wing, fabricated from lightweight woven nylon (PA66) top surface (Dominico D20) and polyurethane resin (PUR) coated nylon (PA66) ripstop underside (Porcher Skytex), the largest model has an area of 28.9 m2 and weighs a mere 4.7 kg.

Gaia artwork, by Luke Jerram, is a 7 m wide floating sphere depicting the earth. Made by Cameron Balloons, is it formed from 50 panels of nylon (PA) fabric coated with polyurethane resin (PUR). The surface is printed with high-resolution images of the earth as seen from space, it is stitched and welded into a globe, and filled with helium.

Commingled glass fibre thermoplastic composite preform, fabricated through tailored fibre placement (TFP) - a type of technical embroidery - in preparation for moulding with heat and pressure

Nyon flock on fabric, applied by masking the adhesive to create a floral pattern

Hot air balloon, made from stitched panels of lightweight woven ripstop nylon

A lightweight shovel made with in-situ polymerised and injection moulded polyamide (PA), nylon. In a process developed by Engel, a woven glass fibre preform is infiltrated with caprolactam and reacted to form a thermoplastic composite. This semi-finished part is transferred to an over-moulding tool and the green parts applied by injection moulding.

A lightweight shovel made with in-situ polymerised and injection moulded polyamide (PA), nylon. In a process developed by Engel, a woven glass fibre preform is infiltrated with caprolactam and reacted to form a thermoplastic composite. This semi-finished part is transferred to an over-moulding tool and the green parts applied by injection moulding.

Press-formed automotive part, made up of patches of continuous glass-fibre reinforced nylon PA6, orientated to optimise strength, manufactured using Cetim’s high-speed thermostamping technique, named Quilted Stratum Process (QSP)

Press-formed automotive part, made up of patches of continuous glass-fibre reinforced nylon PA6, orientated to optimise strength, manufactured using Cetim’s high-speed thermostamping technique, named Quilted Stratum Process (QSP)

Commingled glass fibre thermoplastic composite yarn, fabricated through tailored fibre placement (TFP), compression moulded to form a composite shoe sole

Beirut Caoutchouc artwork, by Marwan Rechmaoui, 2006, which depicts Beirut’s districts according to municipal organisation, is machined in rubber
Relevant materials
Natural rubber, NR, Rubber

Jute fibre-reinforced epoxy, produced by Bcomp, compression moulded in a single step with nonwoven jute core.

Jute fibre-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite produced by Kunststofshop. This non-toxic and compostable sheet material provides an alternative to glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP). It is thermoformable and can be laser cut and die cut.


Technical nonwoven made with 50% hemp and 50% wool.

Various hemp reinforcement fabrics for composite structures.
Relevant materials
Hemp, Fibre

Twill-woven E-glass, laminated with Furan bioresin

Westlake Girls High School on Auckland, New Zealand’s North Shore, designed by architects Creative Spaces. To achieve the architects' vision of mixed natural light and shade, Structureflex produced an innovate tensile membrane that combines coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fabric with transparent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film. Image Structurflex.

Westlake Girls High School on Auckland, New Zealand’s North Shore, designed by architects Creative Spaces. To achieve the architects' vision of mixed natural light and shade, Structureflex produced an innovate tensile membrane that combines coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, fabric with transparent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film. Image Structurflex.

Botany town centre, Auckland, New Zealand, by Ignite Architects, 2019. The transparent ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) roof, produced by Vector Foiltec, is supported by curved Radiata pine glulam engineered wood beams. Image Vector Foiltec.

Denver Union Station, Colorado, USA, features a tensile fabric canopy engineered and produced by Structureflex. The roof consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated glass fibre, combined with a single layer of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) film. Sunlight is filtered to allow daylight to pass through the weatherproof canopy without the accompanying heat. Image Structureflex.

Leno weave fabric, made up of fluoropolymer coated glass fibre for application in architecture, industry and manufacturing. The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is typically applied by dip coating, whereby the glass fabric is drawn through a solution of PTFE and sintered. The proportion of PTFE in the finished product ranges from 20-60%, depending on the requirements of the application.

Fluoropolymer coated glass fibre for application in architecture, industry and manufacturing. The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is typically applied by dip coating, whereby the glass fabric is drawn through a solution of PTFE and sintered. The proportion of PTFE in the finished product ranges from 20-60%, depending on the requirements of the application.

Aarau Bus terminal and station square, Switzerland, by Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur, 2014. Manufactured by Vector Foiltec, the 1,055 sqm bubble is fabricated as a single structure from printed ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), inflated with air. The ETFE structure is supported within a steel framework and secured between stainless steel cables. Image Vector Foiltec, Andreas Braun.

Aarau Bus terminal and station square, Switzerland, by Vehovar & Jauslin Architektur, 2014. Manufactured by Vector Foiltec, the 1,055 sqm bubble is fabricated as a single structure from printed ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), inflated with air. The ETFE structure is supported within a steel framework and secured between stainless steel cables. Image Vector Foiltec, Andreas Braun.

The Shed’s Bloomberg Building at Hudson Yards, New York, by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Rockwell Group, 2019. The welded air-filled ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) bubbles, manufactured by Vector Foiltec, create a lightweight insulated structure. The shell, known as McCourt, moves on rails driven by giant wheels and doubles the usable indoor space of the building. The unique colour effect comes from a combination of a printed pattern on the top layer, a white middle layer with 29% opacity, and a transparent bottom layer. Image Vector Foiltec, Timothy Schenck.

Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, by KL Pavilion Design Studio Sdn Bhd, Konzepte + CGNA Sdn Bhd, 2021. The mega canopy, manufactured by Vector Foiltec, is 125 m long, 115 m wide and clad with 34 two-layer ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) cushions. Each cushion is 3.2 m wide and supported by a steel structure. Image Vector Foiltec, KL Interior Photography.

Eden Project, Cornwall, UK, designed by Grimshaw Architects and completed 2001. Produced by Vector Foiltec, each bubble consists of layers of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), welded around the perimeter to trap a layer of insulating air within. ETFE was selected for the transparent envelope, because it enabled an extremely lightweight and efficient structure. The film allows a high level of light transmission, is extremely resistant to UV and weathering, self-cleaning due to its low surface energy, and can tolerate abrasion from grit in the wind. Image Vector Foiltec.

Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Centre) by PTW Architects, constructed to host the aquatics competitions at the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It consists of a steel space frame, clad with cushions made up of welded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), produced by Vector Foiltec. The ETFE pillows allow more light and heat penetration than traditional glass, which resulted in a 30% decrease in energy costs. Images Vector Foiltec.

The translucent membrane spanning the ceiling at Heathrow Terminal 2, UK, by Luis Vidal Architects, completed 2014, is made from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) produced by Taiyo Europe (evening LED back-lighting). A membrane like this is much lighter and consumes significantly less material than a solid ceiling structure.

The translucent membrane spanning the ceiling at Heathrow Terminal 2, UK, by Luis Vidal Architects, completed 2014, is made from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) produced by Taiyo Europe (daylight). A membrane like this is much lighter and consumes significantly less material than a solid ceiling structure.

Fuerzabruta performing on a transparent, welded ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) membrane suspended above the audience in the Roundhouse, London. ETFE foil is self-cleaning (as long as water is present), and weighs around 0.5 kg/m2. For comparison, 10 mm laminated glass would be around 25 kg/m2.

Car trunk lid trim by Fibriplast for automotive interior applications. A nonwoven fabric made up of flax fibre mixed with polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, is low pressure compression moulded to make lightweight bio-based composite parts in a rapid cycle time.

Automotive part made with natural fibre nonwoven mixed with polypropylene (NFPP) and compression moulded, followed by over-moulding with polypropylene (PP).

The Polestar seatback, compression moulded from Bcomp flax fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP-FF). The top layer consists of woven flax with white linen threads in a pattern unique to Polestar. The middle lays is a composite of flax and PP, and the inside layer consists of Bcomp power ribs, which provided added stiffness without adding significant weight.

The Polestar seatback, compression moulded from Bcomp flax fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP-FF). The top layer consists of woven flax with white linen threads in a pattern unique to Polestar. The middle lays is a composite of flax and PP, and the inside layer consists of Bcomp power ribs, which provided added stiffness without adding significant weight.

BMW M have deployed Bcomp flax fibre reinforcement materials in their Motorsport and Formula E racing cars since 2019. Bcomp flax fibre reinforced epoxy front end. Image BMW M.

Compression moulded automotive interior panel, with unidirectional fibre reinforced tape on the backside for added stiffness and impact resistance. The upper is a mix of flax fibre and polypropylene (PP), compression moulded with carbon fibre and flax fibre tape (PP-CF and PP-FF). With this technique it is possible to mix all kinds of fibre reinforcement and thermoplastic matrix - the ingredients depend on the application requirements. Produced and moulded by Weav3D.

Nonwoven flax compostable personal hygiene textile from Norafin. Image Norafin.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Flax fibre

Bcomp's flax products are available in many different colours and formats, including dyed, woven, knitted and nonwoven. A harmony is struck between performance requirements, cost and aesthetics.

Libeco unidirectional woven flax fabric. It is used as fabric reinforcement in biocomposites, such as in combination with bio-based epoxy in vacuum infusion, or resin transfer moulding (RTM).
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Flax fibre

Bcomp flax polypropylene (PP-FF) composite seatback featuring powerRibs and ampliTex. Inspired by leaf veins, powerRibs maximise stiffness with minimal weight by creating a 3D structure on one side of a thin-walled component. This helps to reduce weight, costs and consumables in production.

Clara compact concert ukulele from by Blackbird Guitars, made from Lingrove flax fibre reinforced epoxy. The soundboard is tuned for optimal rigidity and density without bracing, combining the tone of wood with the lightness and durability of composite. Image Blackbird Guitars.

Biotex twill-woven bleached flax fabric, produced by Composites Evolution. It is used as fabric reinforcement in biocomposites, such as in combination with bio-based epoxy.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Flax fibre

Biotex plain-woven flax fabric, produced by Composites Evolution. It is used as fabric reinforcement in biocomposites, such as in combination with bio-based epoxy.
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Flax fibre

Biotex biaxial flax fabric, with unidirectional untwisted yarns, produced by Composites Evolution. It is used as fabric reinforcement in biocomposites, such as in combination with bio-based epoxy in vacuum infusion, or resin transfer moulding (RTM).
Relevant materials
Flax, Linen, Flax fibre

Clara compact concert ukulele from by Blackbird Guitars, made from Lingrove flax fibre reinforced epoxy. The soundboard is tuned for optimal rigidity and density without bracing, combining the tone of wood with the lightness and durability of composite. Image Blackbird Guitars.

Flax baby cot concept, by Virginie Breton for BBDOR, 2015, produced with flax fibre reinforced polylactic acid (PLA)

Farallon Ekoa tenor ukulele by Blackbird Guitars, made from Lingrove flax fibre reinforced epoxy.

Prototype composite Jaguar XF door module, press moulded from woven flax reinforced PP, produced by Composites Evolution

Wind turbine blade, produced with high modulus glass fibre, resin infused with epoxy

Mobile phone battery cover made with pressed glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite

Parabeam 3D woven e-glass fabric, which creates a lightweight sandwich structure when infused with resin.

Moulded Parabeam 3D woven e-glass fabric, which creates a lightweight sandwich structure when infused with resin.

Parabeam 3D woven e-glass fabric, which creates a lightweight sandwich structure when infused with resin.

Chop strand mat (CSM) glass fibre reinforcement.

Foldtex by Timm Herok made with birch veneer laminated to fabric and CNC-cut to create an articulating structure.

Louis Vuitton envelope produced from woven, plastisol-printed cotton fabric.
Relevant materials
Cotton, Fibre

Tape-woven corkskin and spread tow carbon fibre composite used as the surface layer of these Volant skis.

Knitted copper wire fabric for upholstery, interiors and apparel by Inntex, embossed with a floral motif and coated with polyurethane resin (PUR) to maintain the bright copper colour. Image by Inntex.

Copper coating on lightweight nonwoven polyamide (PA), nylon. The thin metal layer is applied by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). These materials are used for shielding applications in products and interiors.

Copper coated nonwoven embossed polyamide (PA), nylon. The thin metal layer is applied by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). These materials are used for shielding applications in products and interiors.

Copper coated polyamide (PA), nylon. The thin metal layer is applied by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). These materials are used for shielding applications in products and interiors.


Viscose cloth covered box for Havana Club, manufactured by Progress Packaging. Image Progress Packaging.

Nelson Bubble Lamp, by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1952, formed by spraying a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with a webbing agent (which causes the PVC to form filaments) onto a steel wire frame, and finished with a layer of pure PVC spray coating

High-tensile steel wire retention netting, zinc-aluminium galvanised for corrosion protection

Fillauer Obsidian Spring Blade lower limb prosthetic fabricated from laminated woven carbon fibre reinforced epoxy. There are many benefits to using carbon fibre composite, including strength-to-weight, stiffness-to-weight and wear resistance.

Waste carbon fibre (CF) generated during the manufacture of composite parts is converted into fabric suitable as reinforcement for thermoset and thermoplastic matrix resins. Waste is produced in the production of high performance parts, where short fibres are not suitable because they may compromise strength, performance and safety. These short fibres, such as from the ends of filament winding spools or offcuts from fabric, are converted into fibre bundles and formed into fabric.

Non-crimp (unidirectional) carbon fibre fabric layers preformed in readiness for resin infusion

Satin-woven basalt textile
Relevant materials
Basalt, BF, Fibre

Norafin fire protection nonwoven, with an embossed profile, made up of 65% Kermel (polyamide-imide) and 35% p-aramid. These fibres and fabrics are used in heat and fire protective clothing. Kermel is often used where high resistance to physical damage is required while fire fighting.

Nonwoven m-aramid glove face layer, prior to assembly, featuring tailor fibre placement (TFP) on top

Nordland vapour permeable, UV-durable underlay for use in roof and wall constructions. The upper spunbonded polypropylene (PP) is adhesive-laminated onto a perforated aluminium foil (this prevents harmful UV light penetrating the fabric and breaking down the plastic), a microporous PP film, reinforcing grid and lower spunbonded PP.

3D woven fabric, manufactured by Schoeller, made up of metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, monofilament yarns

Raytent recycled acrylic fibre by Giovanardi, produced from industrial scrap, woven into awning fabric.