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Material comparison

NFRP vs. GFRP — when the switch pays off.

Glass fibre is the standard for composite parts. For large-area cladding and visible parts, natural fibre is often the better calculation. Where that applies — and where it does not.

Starting point

The principle is the same. The fibre is not.

GFRP and NFRP are both fibre composites: reinforcing fibres in a polymer matrix. Design logic, dimensioning and shaping follow the same rules. Anyone designing GFRP parts today does not have to relearn for NFRP.

What changes is the fibre — and with it density, damping behaviour and raw-material base. That is precisely where the economic and ecological leverage comes from.

Key figures

The direct comparison.

Natural-fibre composite, glass fibre and aluminium side by side.

Property
Fibryx NFRP
GFRP
Aluminum
Density [g/cm³]
1.3
1.9
2.7
Damping
high
medium
low
CO₂ footprint
2.7
8.55
13.92
Raw material base
renewable
mineral
ore mining
Effect on the part

What the switch delivers.

Guide values from realized components — the specific design determines the actual figure.

−30%
Weight
−15%
Part costs
−90%
CO₂

From realized projects

−50%
Weight

Cover flap, commercial vehicle

A lighter cover flap — with comparable mechanical properties and lower material cost.

−30%
manual process time

Front skirt, harvester

A large-area front skirt, manufactured more efficiently — through optimized natural-fiber cuts.

−35%
Weight

Pop-up roof, caravan

A large-area pop-up roof — light, stiff and with a high-quality natural-fiber visible surface.

Use cases

Where the switch pays off.

The larger the surface and the more weight matters, the clearer the effect.

Engine hoods and bonnets

On construction and agricultural machinery: large, impact-resistant parts where every kilo affects handling.

Front and rear cladding

Front skirts, masks and cladding with complex geometry and high surface requirements.

Roof shells and pop-up roofs

In caravan and motorhome construction: large surfaces where weight translates directly into payload.

Rail vehicle cladding

Interior cladding and visible parts — fire requirements are assessed at the concept stage.

Side cladding and flaps

Large-area commercial-vehicle parts, ready to fit including inserts and fastening points.

Design and visible parts

Where the natural-fibre surface itself becomes the design argument.

Trusted by leading OEMs & industrial companies
Daimler Truck
Traton
VDL
Carthago
Depoortere
CF Maier
Vöhringer
Radkutsche
EPAtec
Approach

The route to conversion.

We do not start with the tool but with the calculation. In a concept study we assess your existing part for feasibility, weight and part costs.

  • Assessment of the existing GFRP part based on a drawing or sample
  • Layer build-up and dimensioning recalculated for natural fibre
  • Weight and cost estimate for the finished part
  • A clear statement on whether the switch pays off for this part
Have your part assessed
Frequently asked

Questions about the material switch.

Are NFRP parts as load-bearing as GFRP parts?
In suitable applications NFRP parts achieve mechanical properties comparable to GFRP. The design is always based on the specific load case — blanket statements are misleading with fibre composites.
What does switching from GFRP to NFRP cost?
The economic leverage lies in the finished part, not in the fibre price: tooling, cycle time, trimming, surface, rework and assembly. NFRP becomes economical when material and process are designed together.
How does NFRP behave with moisture and weathering?
Moisture resistance and UV stability are set deliberately via the resin system, additives and layer build-up, and designed for the respective application.
Is NFRP suitable for rail vehicle applications?
Fire behaviour can be adjusted through additives in the resin system. Specific requirements — for example to EN 45545 — are assessed at the concept stage before a part is designed.
Are NFRP parts recyclable?
Yes. Our material allows the recovery of carbon, around 50% of it bio-based — renewable raw materials instead of mining.

Let's talk about your component.

Send us a drawing, an existing GFRP part or an idea — we'll get in touch and assess the potential for natural fiber composite together.

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