Link to: International Year of Natural Fibres 2009: Hemp
Link to: European Industrial Hemp Association
Link to: Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance
Link to: Hemp Industry Association
Link to: Indian Industrial Hemp Association
Link to: International Hemp Building Association


Wikipedia: Hemp – Industrial Hemp


Press Release: Hemp a key driver for economic success

Market Study: Hemp fibres for Green Products – An assessment of life cycle studies on hemp fibre applications


Hemp Facts:

The Hemp fibre is obtained from the bast of the plant Cannabis sativa L. It grows easily – to a height of 4 m – without agrochemicals and captures large quantities of carbon. Optimum yield of Hemp fibre is more than 3 tonnes per ha, while average yields are around 1.5 – 2 tonnes per ha (in Europe).

Long, strong and durable, Hemp fibres are about 70% cellulose and contain low levels of lignin (around 3 – 13%, most frequently published: 6%). The single fibre diameter ranges from 3 to 50 microns. Hemp fibre conducts heat, dyes well, resists mildew, blocks ultraviolet light and has natural anti-bacterial properties. Shorter, woody core fibres (“tow”) contain higher levels of lignin.

Between 2000 and 2016, world production of Hemp fibre grew from 50 000 tonnes to more than 100 000 tonnes, almost half of it produced in China. Production in the EU was 30 000 tonnes. China is the largest exporter of Hemp textiles, mainly to Europe and North America, where the market for hemp clothing is growing rapidly. China also exports hemp shivs-based fibreboard.

Investments and market growth are especially high in non-psychotropic hemp extracts and for the Cannabinoid CBD, which is used in pharmaceutical applications as well as in the food supplement industry. Here, a patchwork of regulations in Europe is a barrier for faster market growth.

Source: EIHA.org 2017 and DNFI 2018+2020