Sustainability award for the BMW M Visionary Materials Seat

BMW M GmbH VIsionary Materials Seat. © BMW M GmbH

The BMW M Visionary Materials seat marks a decisive step towards a circular economy. Special materials and an innovative manufacturing concept result in a fundamental reduction in the consumption of energy and raw materials. Now, BMW M has been awarded a sustainability prize for this achievement.

“BMW M stands for its unparalleled performance, agility, and precision. We are committed not only to delivering exceptional driving experiences, but also to surprising our fans and customers with innovative steps forward in sustainability. With this in mind, we are engaged in developing circular-economy products as well as research into biogenic materials. These products will also carry forward our motorsport DNA into the future.” Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH

Altair Enlighten Award for BMW M Visionary Materials Seat

In close cooperation with an international project consortium, BMW M has been developing the prototype for a new type of vehicle seat and was awarded first place in the “Sustainable Process” category. True to the motto “Great Minds Think Light”, the internationally renowned “Altair Enlighten Award” each year recognizes special innovations in ultra-lightweight construction and in the reduction of emissions, material and energy consumption while maximising the recycling rate. The BMW M Visionary Materials seat embodies these requirements through the selection of its materials and a specific manufacturing concept. Therefore, in the opinion of the jury, the seat represents one of the most innovative and forward-looking sustainable developments in the global automotive sector.

Robotically-wound fibre composite structure. © BMW M GmbH

5 Powerful Facts:

Significant sustainability award for BMW M
Use of secondary raw and plant-based materials
Use of bio-based leather alternatives
Unprecedented recycling rate
Reduction of CO2 footprint by 90 percent

Researching Future Materials.

Combining sustainability with cost-efficiency was crucial to the success of the BMW M Visionary Materials Seat. To meet this requirement, BMW M obtained valuable support from leading companies in this field. BMW Designworks created the design, colour and material concept, while Automotive Management Consulting GmbH, Gradel Light Weight Sàrl, Lasso Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH and Bcomp Ltd – a Top 100 Global Cleantech Company – contributed their collective know-how.

“We are showing today what will be possible tomorrow with existing technologies and materials in order to take our efforts to reduce emissions and conserve resources to the next level. This is about more than just substituting materials; it is above all about designing for circularity.” Falco Hollmann, Innovation Manager Lightweight Desight & Sustainability at BMW M GmbH

3 Decisive Factors.

Lightweight construction. Less mass means lower CO2 emissions. Weight was significantly reduced due to an entirely new architecture. Catalyst for this development was the innovative winding technology which allowed to completely eliminate support structures. Weight was saved primarily by reducing the number of individual parts. The choice of upholstery fabrics with lighter textile variants also made a contribution.

“Design for Circularity”. This forward-looking concept is all about using mainly recycled raw materials and plant-based materials in order to reduce the CO2 footprint. The innovative AmpliTex™ natural fibre from project partner Bcomp was instrumental for this. In an essential step away from existing manufacturing processes, materials were grouped by type to make them easier to separate at the end of their product life span and return them to the cycle.

An attractive product. BMW M – and its fans and customers – have the highest demands regarding appearance, value and function of M products. Anything bearing the M label must look good, be of high quality and easy to use.

The BMW M Visionary Materials Seat meets these requirements. The project points the way to a circular economy that is low in emissions and conserves raw materials, while at the same time laying the foundations for the development of future materials in vehicle production.