UK-based Amber Composites, a manufacturer of composite materials for high-performance, lightweight structures, has announced that prepreg with fabric made from sustainably sourced woven flax is now available. The flax fabric—called Biotex— is made by Composites Evolution, a relatively young British company established in 2009 in answer to customer demand for “greener” materials that supplies innovative, sustainable materials to the composites industry. Composites Evolution produces fibers, resins, and intermediates based on natural, bio-derived, recycled, and recyclable feedstocks, designed to better help customers meet their cost, weight, and environmental targets.

The company’s Biotex flax fabric is produced using a unique Twistless Technology, which yields the high performance and easy processing normally associated with glass fiber composites. The fabric offers improved damping characteristics, a lower weight and environmental impact. “We have a lot of customers ask for prepreg using our Biotex flax fabric and we worked closely with Amber Composites to ensure this solution was available,” said Brendon Weager, managing director of Composites Evolution.

The new prepreg is available in Amber’s Multipreg 8020 epoxy resin system, a low-to- medium cure prepreg which can be used with or without an autoclave. It is suitable for semi- structural and decorative applications in automotive, marine, sports and consumer goods. 

“After evaluating many sources for sustainable fabrics, we are pleased to offer a proven solution from Composites Evolution who have created a capable material backed by a solid supply chain,” said Jonathan McQueen, managing director of Amber Composites.