First Carbon‑Fiber Smartphone Unveiled: Berlin Startup Carbon Mobile Debuts Ultra‑Light, Eco‑Friendly Design

In March, Berlin‑based startup Carbon Mobile introduced the world’s first carbon‑fiber smartphone, the Carbon 1 MK II. Designed and engineered in Germany, it marries ultra‑lightweight construction with a fully recyclable, sustainable approach, redefining what a modern mobile device can be.

The housing is built from Lanxess’s Tepex dynalite 208 TPU, a thermoplastic composite reinforced with fine 1K continuous carbon‑fiber filaments. According to Philipp Genders, application‑development lead at Lanxess, the material “delivers exceptional thin‑wall strength and rigidity, allowing the smartphone to be both robust for everyday use and strikingly light.” The matte‑black fibers also give the device a high‑tech aesthetic.

Carbon fiber’s natural electromagnetic shielding properties have historically hindered its use in connected devices. Over four years, Carbon Mobile’s engineers developed the patented HyRecm (Hybrid Radio‑Enabled Composite Material) technology, which fuses carbon fibers with a complementary composite that permits RF signal permeation. A unique 3D‑printed conductive ink is embedded within the structure, enabling the first radio‑enabled carbon‑fiber material.

When applied to the Carbon 1 MK II, HyRecm produces a monocoque (single‑shell) chassis that mirrors the load‑bearing design of a Formula 1 car. This construction maximises carbon‑fiber rigidity while eliminating bulky internal reinforcements, resulting in a device that weighs just 125 g—a third lighter than conventional smartphones—and measures only 6.3 mm thick, 25 % slimmer.

Beyond performance, sustainability is central to Carbon Mobile’s mission. The composite housing contains less than 5 % plastic and can be shredded and re‑processed on standard injection‑molding machines, allowing for high‑quality recycled components. Every major component is engineered for easy replacement, extending the device’s lifespan and further reducing electronic waste.

“We’re proud to offer a smartphone that is not only cutting‑edge in design and connectivity but also a tangible step toward a circular electronics economy,” says CEO Firas Khalifeh. By leveraging advanced materials and innovative manufacturing, Carbon Mobile demonstrates that sustainability and premium performance can coexist.