Trifilon B

Trifilon B is a biocomposite material combining food-safe polypropylene (PP) with up to 35% natural fibres. Developed by Swedish material company Trifilon, it is designed as a lower-impact alternative to conventional polypropylene for injection-moulded products, including applications involving food contact and products for children.

The natural reinforcement consists of optimised plant fibres, including hemp from agricultural production and cellulose fibres sourced from PEFC-certified Nordic forests. Hemp can be cultivated as a rotational crop without directly competing with food production. Incorporating these renewable fibres reduces the amount of fossil-based polymer required while also giving the finished material a distinctive, more natural appearance.

Depending on the formulation and comparison, Trifilon states that the material can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 60% compared with conventional polypropylene or standard polyolefins. The relatively low density of the plant fibres can additionally enable lightweight components, particularly when replacing plastics reinforced with denser mineral fillers such as talc.

Trifilon B is supplied as granules and can be processed using standard injection-moulding machinery and tooling. It can be processed at comparatively low temperatures and is suitable for thin-walled components. The optimised fibre reinforcement can improve mechanical performance while maintaining high impact properties, low VOC emissions and minimal natural-fibre odour. According to the manufacturer, the material does not absorb moisture.

The appearance of the material can also form part of the product design. Natural fibres may be visible as small inclusions within the surface, creating a speckled, matte finish that communicates its plant-fibre content, while formulations with less visually apparent fibres are also available.

Applications range from packaging and consumer products to durable injection-moulded components. One example is EPIC Travelgear’s PhantomBIO suitcase, where Trifilon B was incorporated into the shell. According to Trifilon, the material contributed to a 31% reduction in the suitcase’s CO₂ footprint.

By combining conventional polypropylene processing with renewable fibre reinforcement, Trifilon B provides manufacturers with a way to reduce fossil feedstock use and the carbon footprint of moulded plastic components without requiring specialised injection-moulding equipment.