What does it take to build a sustainable textile hemp value chain in Europe? In this video produced by Lin et Chanvre Bio, the Interreg NWE Hemp4Circularity project, partners from across the value chain share what they have learned through experimentation, collaboration and innovation. From agronomy to textile applications, the video provides practical insights for farmers and stakeholders interested in developing long-fibre hemp.
The video is also available in French, Dutch and German.
Key topics covered in the video
What are the benefits of hemp?
The video opens with a reminder of hemp’s many advantages: low input requirements, positive impacts on soil health, and strong potential as a sustainable textile fibre. These characteristics make hemp a strategic crop in the transition towards more circular and resilient systems.
What are the key steps in growing textile hemp?
Partners explain the main stages of the cropping system, from sowing to retting. Special attention is given to the importance of timing, field conditions and technical know-how, all of which directly influence fibre quality.
How to become a textile hemp producer?
This section provides practical advice for farmers interested in starting hemp cultivation. A key takeaway is the importance of securing a market outlet before production. Without a structured value chain, even high-quality fibre may struggle to find its way to market.
Monitoring a network of hemp trials
The project relies on a network of field trials across different regions. These trials help to better understand how hemp performs under varying conditions and to identify best practices adapted to local contexts.
Analysing data and sharing experiences
Beyond fieldwork, data analysis plays a crucial role. Partners highlight how sharing results and experiences accelerates learning and supports the emergence of a robust, knowledge-based sector.
Scutching: progress and challenges
Processing remains one of the main bottlenecks in the textile hemp value chain. The video explores recent progress in scutching technologies, while also acknowledging the technical and economic challenges that still need to be addressed.
Producing yarn from textile hemp
Transforming hemp fibres into yarn suitable for textile applications requires further innovation. The partners discuss ongoing developments and the adaptations needed to meet industry standards.
Towards innovative hemp fabrics
The video concludes with a strong message of optimism. Thanks to the project, partners have been able to develop innovative textile products and go further than initially expected. These achievements demonstrate the real potential of hemp in the textile sector.
At the same time, they stress that further improvements are needed to scale up production and fully structure a sustainable value chain.
Building the future of textile hemp
Hemp4Circularity illustrates how collaboration across sectors — from agriculture to textile manufacturing — is essential to unlock the full potential of hemp.
Textile hemp holds significant promise, but its development requires coordination, experimentation and long-term commitment. By sharing lessons learned and showcasing tangible results, this video offers a valuable step forward in building a resilient and circular hemp ecosystem.