BIOFLEXI

This project originates from a material innovation developed at BioMat Studio, University of Stuttgart, focusing on sustainable and versatile building products derived from annually renewable resources. The concept, named BioFlexi, has been further developed by BioMat GmbH into a market-ready solution for both architectural and interior design applications.

BioFlexi is a flexible, high-density fibreboard composed of up to 90% annually renewable natural fibres, including wheat, maize, rice, oat, barley, and rye straw. When rice straw is used, the material benefits from a naturally high silicate content—up to 20% of the dry fibre weight—providing inherent fire resistance. Minimal mineral-based flame-retardant additives further enhance its performance, enabling compliance with higher fire-safety classifications. An eco-friendly thermoplastic elastomer serves as the binder, ensuring that the product can be fully recycled or composted at the end of its life cycle. This results in a dual environmental benefit: agricultural by-products are upcycled during production, and post-use waste can be eliminated through composting if recycling is not possible.

What sets BioFlexi apart from conventional fibreboards is its exceptional flexibility, making it ideal for free-form architectural elements, custom furniture, and interior applications. The boards can be shaped using proven production methods and then fixed in form with veneer layers, enabling cost-effective creation of complex geometries. Beyond free-form uses, BioFlexi also excels in planar applications, such as sports hall flooring systems and cushioning solutions.

The invention is protected under pending European patent EP 2965882 A1 and international patent WO/2016/005026, representing a significant advancement in sustainable, high-performance material systems that merge design freedom with ecological responsibility.