BMW i Ventures invests in Natural Fiber Welding for sustainable materials

BMW i Ventures announced an investment in Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW), a manufacturer of all-natural, plastic-free alternatives to materials such as leathers, foams, and textiles.

The financing round will enable the company to scale from the batch processing of materials, to commercial roll-to-roll production.

NFW has developed technologies to replace synthetic leathers, and enable natural inputs to be shaped and molded into a durable, all-natural and fully recyclable leather alternative called Mirum. 

In addition to the investment by BMW i Ventures, BMW Group also announced its intention to form a strategic partnership with NFW to further its own sustainability goals.

BMW Group aims to reduce CO2 emissions along its entire value chain. To achieve this, the company seeks to make use of recyclable materials, or materials that have a lower carbon footprint, while still retaining the same functionality, aesthetics, and premium quality.

"Having a scalable, cost-competitive alternative to leather with premium qualities is key to further advancing the decarbonization of the automotive industry," said BMW i Ventures Managing Partner Kasper Sage said. 

Photos from BMW

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