The new Biocomposite Bridge in Ulm is the latest achievement of the Smart Circular Bridge Project, with BioMat serving as the architectural partner. It is the second bridge completed within this EU-funded initiative—following the first in Almere, Netherlands—and marks the first realization in Germany. Located in the heart of Ulm's historic old town, just 150 metres from Ulm Cathedral, the bridge crosses the Blau River, blending sustainability, innovation, and public interaction. This project exemplifies how the construction industry is embracing sustainable, bio-based materials. Officially opened in early 2025, the bridge showcases the structural potential of natural fibres as a high-performance alternative to traditional construction materials—for use not only by pedestrians and cyclists but also by vehicles. The primary material—flax fibre—has a rich history, traditionally used for textiles, ropes, and sails, with a strong heritage in Upper Swabia. In this project, flax reemerges as a load-bearing material in modern infrastructure. The bridge spans nine metres in length and five metres in width, with a structural body that resembles concrete but is, in fact, a composite of flax fibres, bio-based epoxy resin, and recycled PET foam.

Key components of the structure include ropes made from flax fibres soaked in epoxy resin, giving them exceptional strength and durability. The railing posts are repurposed from recycled hardwood, salvaged from a dismantled bridge. To fabricate the flax composite, fibres are laid into a mould, sealed, and subjected to a vacuum into which the bio-resin is injected—after which the material cures into a solid composite.