Bio-based panels used in automotive interior applications, such as this compressed nonwoven natural fibre instrument panel topper, are replacing glass filled and wood filled polypropylene (PP-GF and PP-WF) materials. They offer superior strength to weight combined with impact resistance. Fibres are typically hemp, flax, jute or kenaf, mixed with PP or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, which melt when heat and pressure is applied locking them in place. Moulded by Weav3D.

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.

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.

Compression moulded automotive interior panel, with unidirectional fibre reinforced tape on the backside for added stiffness and impact resistance. The upper is a nonwoven made up of flax fibre and polypropylene (PP), compression moulded with unidirectional tape made up of flax reinforced PP. 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.