Overcoming Challenges of Industrial Bio-Composites

Testing New Manufacturing Processes for Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers and Biological Resins

By Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer & Publisher, IFJ

The utilization of biological materials as reinforcement in the development of industrial composites emerges as a potential, more economical and sustainable alternative to replace synthetic components like carbon fiber or glass fiber. However, the use of biocomposites also presents technical challenges in the case of structural applications due to their less regular and solid properties.

The Spanish technology centre IDEKO has been participating since this year in the European BioStruct project to solve the technical problems associated with the use of bio-based composites in industrial structures for sectors such as the wind energy or maritime.

The main objective of the initiative, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, is to develop and validate new manufacturing processes to boost the use of biocomposites.

The solution proposed by the project will be validated through two use cases: the manufacturing of a hull for a six-metre electric boat and the production of rotor blades for wind turbines. In both cases, natural fibers and bio-based resins will be used as construction materials, paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable industry.

International Fiber Journal spoke with Roberto Alonso, researcher from IDEKO and a spokesman for the project, to shed light on the ongoing project that concludes in 2026.