Part of the Managing Composites team at JEC World 2026

This year was also a big one for us as exhibitors. We went all out like never before and showcased some truly exciting projects. It’s not every day you’re asked to collaborate on the development of a carbon fiber monocoque for a V12 hypercar pushing up to 1,850 hp and 450 km/h (280 mph) like the Zenvo Aurora. And getting to display that chassis at our JEC stand? It has been a total crowd magnet. Nobody could stay away. Want to make friends at JEC? Bring a carbon fiber monocoque. Conversation guaranteed.

The Zenvo Aurora monocoque developed in collaboration between Zenvo and Managing Composites

Another highlight we brought to JEC was one of the chassis panels made with flax fiber for the LIUX Big, a new electric urban vehicle set to be manufactured in Spain. It’s proof that when the right engineering meets composites, efficient mobility can completely transform how cars are built. A car chassis made from plant-based materials that’s as strong as steel? Yes, it is another perfect conversation starter at JEC.

A flax panel developed in collaboration between Managing Composites and LIUX for the linen monocoque of the LIUX BIG urban car

At Managing Composites, we’ve always been driven to make composites accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re so proud to support JEC as a media partner and help spread the word about the biggest event in the composites world. With that same mission in mind, we launched The Native Lab a few years ago to provide accessible training—from beginner to advanced—in composites for anyone, anywhere. More recently, we also introduced ESEN·EYE, a professional tool designed to take composites quality control to the next level.

Last year at JEC, we showcased the advantages of computer vision-based inspection and the digitalization of quality control processes for composites. This year, we took it a step further by presenting the latest ESEN·EYE development: a portable device that brings this technology anywhere, allowing it to be applied to any part without losing an ounce of micro-scale precision—built specifically with mobility in mind.

Managing Composite’s CEO, Lluc Martí, sharing the stage with Daniel Pyzak, CATIA expert from Dassault Systèmes

When we say the 2026 edition of JEC was special for us, we really mean it. On the very first day, our CEO, Lluc Martí, took the stage alongside Daniel Pyzak, a CATIA expert from Dassault Systèmes, to explain how we use the iconic software that revolutionized the industry to design some of the world’s most exclusive hypercars. We had already been invited to present this at a Dassault Systèmes Expert Session a few months earlier, and getting to share our experience again—this time with the JEC audience—was an absolute pleasure.

At Managing Composites, we’ve always worked toward making the composites industry bigger, more popular, and more successful. That’s why we sponsor students, collaborate on research projects with other companies, and stay open to working with startups, labs, universities, and any organization that brings value to the sector.

When BIOFIBIX approached us to test their material, we were genuinely impressed—so we teamed up to explore just how far these composites could go. To put the material to the test in a real-world application, we collaborated with Zenvo and built a rear wing similar to the one on the Zenvo Aurora Agil using flax fiber. We were thrilled to see this part showcased at the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp stand, highlighting the huge potential of natural fiber composites.

Our relationship with JEC has always been something special, but the 2026 edition truly exceeded all expectations. We shared laughs with old friends, reconnected with past collaborators, discovered exciting innovations and projects, and met plenty of new people who share our passion for composites. Being a media partner of the leading international composites show is something we’re incredibly proud of—and it’s amazing to see our passion resonate with more and more people every year.

We’re already counting down to the 2027 edition! 🚀

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• The tendency to absorb moisture, affecting dimensional stability and durability.
• Lower thermal and mechanical resistance compared to more conventional composites such as carbon fiber.
• Variability in mechanical properties, as they are natural materials exposed to environmental conditions and require harvesting and processing.

Interior carpeting of a cars door made by a biocomposite of hemp fibres and polyethylen. Credit: Christian Gahle, nova-Institut GmbH.

Technological Advances in NFCs: Treatments and Improvements

Recent research projects have focused on overcoming the limitations of Natural Fiber Composites (NFCs) in the automotive sector. Let’s see what those key advancements are.

Physical Treatments

• Plasma and corona treatment: These methods modify the surface energy of fibers, improving their adhesion to the polymer matrix without altering their chemical composition. This enhances resin compatibility and increases mechanical strength.
• UV and heat treatment: UV and heat exposure minimizes moisture absorption, enhances thermal stability, and extends durability under demanding conditions.

Chemical Treatments

• Alkalization (NaOH): Sodium hydroxide treatment removes impurities such as lignin and hemicellulose, increasing the exposed cellulose content and improving adhesion with the polymer matrix. This results in higher mechanical strength and reduced water absorption.
• Silane and acetylation: Silane coupling agents and acetylation promote covalent bonding between fibers and the matrix, reducing hydrophilicity and enhancing moisture resistance and material durability.
• Peroxides and benzoylation: These treatments generate free radicals that improve adhesion between the fiber and matrix, increasing the composite’s thermal and mechanical resistance. They also reduce fiber degradation and enhance structural stability.

Nanoparticle Incorporation (TiO₂, ZnO, SiO₂)

The integration of nanoparticles into NFCs creates a protective barrier that minimizes moisture absorption and reinforces the material’s structure. Additionally, these additives improve UV resistance and thermal degradation resistance, extending the composite’s lifespan.

Bright future

These advancements have made NFCs more stable, durable, and suitable for a wider range of automotive applications. While the industry has primarily employed NFCs for vehicle interiors, an increasing number of structural and bodywork components are now being developed using these materials.

Just a few years ago, the idea of NFCs in high-performance applications seemed unfeasible, but today, Formula 1 teams and other motorsport disciplines are experimenting with NFC-based components. At Managing Composites, we firmly believe that with the right engineering approach, there are very few limitations for NFCs. This is why we have taken on the challenge from LIUX to develop the monocoque chassis of their BIG model using linen fiber.

LIUX BIG monocoque chassis made of flax fiber. Credit: LIUX

When Are NFCs the Best Option?

Returning to the initial question—when should NFCs be chosen? In our view, nearly any development is feasible with NFCs today. Synthetic materials, especially high-performance composites, still hold mechanical advantages that make them the preferred choice when absolute performance is the only priority, particularly for structural components.

However, for non-structural developments and industrial or commercial applications, NFCs are becoming an increasingly attractive option. Thanks to continuous applied research, their performance is improving daily. When sustainability factors are introduced into the equation, NFCs often become the winning choice in an ever-growing number of scenarios.

Ultimately, advancements in fiber treatments and resin formulations are driving NFCs toward broader adoption in the automotive industry. Their use will continue to rise, particularly in structural and semi-structural components where sustainability is a key driver. As the performance gap between NFCs and traditional composites narrows, we will see them play an increasingly prominent role in future automotive designs.

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