PPG 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.