Bio-based residual streams with potential in the technical textile industry

Bio-based residual streams with potential in the technical textile industry

Industrial hemp has witnessed a renaissance in many countries due to new rules for cultivation and its environmental benefits such as carbon dioxide binding properties and that cultivation requires little chemicals and water. Finola is an industrial hemp variety that is mainly used to get seeds and oil for food. It is excellent for growing in Scandinavia and the northern
hemisphere. After the seeds have been harvested, hemp stalks remain, which are usually left in the field or discarded.

At the same time, there are a number of application areas in technical textiles where the need for sustainable circular biobased materials will increase as society becomes more fossil-independent. With these two starting points, we want to study and develop an innovative method for extracting textile fibers from industrial hemp residues. Indicative tests of the method have shown promising results. Then the fibers are then formed into a textile that can be used for various technical textile applications, for example in the construction or automotive industry.

Key players from different parts of the value chain participate in projects that will jointly describe requirements and validate the material's
suitability from both a technical and market perspective. Environmental sustainability will also be evaluated.