ST Composites Develops Flax-Fibre Bicycle Frames Under France 2030 LINNOV Project
“Flax fibre offers recognised technical and environmental benefits,” Stéphane Trento and Thomas Couach, ST Composites
ST Composites launched the LINNOV project to industrialise flax-fibre bicycle frame production at around 5,000 units per year, targeting prototypes by summer 2027. The frames use 100% flax reinforcement and epoxy resins with 30–50% bio-based content from European suppliers, with the company investigating a 100% biomass-based and recyclable resin. The project aims to replace imported aluminium frames and reduce frame weight by almost half while supporting French flax supply chains.
Flax-fibre bicycle frame development depends on securing consistent French flax supply and qualifying bio-based epoxy systems at 30–50% bio content; plant managers should validate resin lot consistency and cure cycles before scaling to 5,000 frames per year.
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