Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-09-24

Description

Description (EN):

Hemp4Circularity aims to implement an innovative, local, biobased ecological fibre, the long fibre hemp, in the textile value chain, from growers to weavers/knitters. The project wants to be a part of the solution towards NWE’s challenges such as the transition towards a circular economy, resource-efficiency, limited innovation capacity in rural areas and climate change. The project is in line with the EU strategy for a sustainable and circular textile sector and the CAP. Hemp is an ecological crop: it needs no pesticides, few fertilizers, no irrigation, it absorbs 1.65 tons of CO2 per ton straw. The crop is innovative. It relies on recently developed machinery that will be improved in the project. All stages of the production have to be optimized in order to be durably implemented. Therefore, the project will set up pilot actions at several stages of the value chain (cultivating, primary processing, data-driven farming, spinning, fabric production). It can count partly on transfer of practices from the flax sector. To achieve its goal, the project will gather the complementary knowledge of the partners, spread over NWE through intense transnational cooperation. It will test recycling solutions and produce eco-designed prototypes for demonstration. It will organize trainings to increase the stakeholder’s capacity. The brands and end-users will be informed through several communication activities to enhance their knowledge on hemp and circular economy. The project aims to bring solutions to: - farmers by implementing a profitable crop with a positive impact and by introducing the data-driven to this crop - the flax sector with a complementary fibre in order to strengthen this sector. Hemp is a resilient crop that is quite resistant to drought and heavy rains - the textile industry in general and the brands, in demand for local and sustainable materials - end-users who are also in demand for local and sustainable textile and lack information about natural fibres.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The project Hemp4Circularity experienced a globally positive, running start. WP1 and WP3 especially demanded a transnational collaboration from the very beginning of the project because trials, trainings, field visits (with a common fact crop sheet A.1.9) where planned early (May-June). A lot of activities of WP1, concentrated on the growing and first processing of long fibre hemp, were yet planned in period 1. The consortium set up trials A.1.1, A.1.2 in NL, BE, DE and gathered data from FR related to similar crops. Those trials showed very interesting, unequal results, due to different pedoclimatic conditions, but also due to different soil conditions, harvesting moments, retting degrees, and baling conditions. These results will be analysed and detailed in deliverables of period 2 (D.1.1.2, D.1.1.6). The difference in results enhance the importance of doing these trials on several places and of working together with all the value chain because it will be the occasion to make links too with the next phases which are spinning A.2.1, weaving A.2.2, knitting A.2.3. It appeared that it is more difficult to implement long fibre hemp in DE because of the lack of experience in retting and in growing beside the absence of a flax value chain. However, they were able to produce round bales, then scutched. Important achievements of WP1 (lined to A.1.1, A.1.2), are the trials and the protocols related to these trials, the development of a common fact crop sheet, common questionnaires, and a logbook to collect economic data (A.1.7), and the production of a video in several languages. Another important achievement is the improvement of the harvesting machinery A.1.4. The technical advice to stakeholders (A.1.3) started yet, as well as lectures to students (A.1.9). The digital farming (A.1.5) started more slowly than planned because the first significant data will be gathered in summer 2024. The first tests of scutching and hackling (A.1.6) showed that hemp is processed less efficiently than flax at this stage of knowledge. The project will help to gain insight into these processing steps of hemp. The consortium started to explore the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of EU hemp (A.1.8), knowing that the whole duration of the project will permit to gather only a part of the data necessary to this calculation. This PEF of hemp is crucial for a future commercialisation. Around all the activities of WP1, an active communication was done throughout period 1 (field visits, demo’s, a booth at the Agronomical Fair of Libramont, a video, etc). WP2, concentrated on the second part of the value chain which is the further processing of hemp (spinning, weaving, pretreatment, recycling) and with the main objective to improve those steps, started yet in period 1 but depends partly on the results and production of WP1. The first spinning tests started (A.2.1) and there too, hemp appears to be less easy to process than flax. At equivalent fineness, hemp appears to be more fragile, less strong but still weavible; nice yarns have been obtained. The first weaving tests (A.2.2) showed also bigger problems (the yarns broke more) than flax at this stage of knowledge. The first pretreatment tests (A.2.4) showed that hemp needs more dye, more energy, more bleach than flax. The consortium knows that a big challenge here is to improve those processing steps to implement this crop into the NWE textile value chain. The consortium jointly defined protocols to assess the quality of the yarn and the fabrics (A.2.1, A.2.2, A.2.3). Some yarns were already distributed to some stakeholders (A.2.3, A.2.4) to test those in other conditions. A global communication towards the whole value chain has started yet under which a panel discussion at the Forum in Paris organised by CELC (A.2.8). WP3 is related to the trainings and more general communication. The biggest training (besides training A.3.4 in period 5) is the 3-year training for growers (A.3.1). It includes field visits every year in every region + theoretical sessions (planned in period 2, 4, 6). The challenges were to organize this in every region with the same registration tools and to develop a common theoretical content. The consortium succeeded very well to achieve this challenge. During period 1, the consortium also prepared period 2 with the theoretical content. The 1st activity of this training, the field activity in every region, was very successful. The training around machinery A.3.2 started also and was also very successful with more participants than expected. During the meetings, the organisation of the training around data farming (A.3.3) was also discussed but this training did not start yet. The communication strategy (A.3.5) has jointly been developed in detail because the communication about long fibre hemp is crucial. The consortium gave an important visibility of the project thanks to very active digital and press activities. H4C is progressing well, adhering to the work plan, with partners effectively addressing challenges through transnational cooperation. Key achievements include: Coordination: Valbiom organized a strategic coordination meeting (24/28/02) and a semestrial meeting in Paris (24/27/05), with all partners and with workshops in smaller groups to discuss more in detail the issues and challenges the project faces. The consortium decided to postpone some activities, which was approved and changed in the AF. Progress in WP1: the pilot actions (A.1.1) started in NL, BE and DE (A.1.2) with hemp trials managed by some partners and others by farmers themselves. In that case, farmers were accompanied by the involved partners. These trials are and will be source of lots of data. The data collection was yet improved for the PEF calculation (A.1.8), and agronomic (A.1.1) and economic knowledge (A.1.7). To this end, the questionnaire was sent to a broad audience. Data were yet collected in BE, NL, DE, FR and the reports of trials of season 2023 have been achieved. Technical advice (A.1.3) has been given to farmers. Significant improvements have been made to the hemp harvester (A.1.4). A step forward to data farming (A.1.5) for hemp has been done by using an app (WatchItGrow) by several partners to follow the trials. First scutching tests (A.1.6) revealed some issues in comparison with flax. A broad communication (A.1.9) to students, stakeholders, farmers has been done during period 2. Progress in WP2: successful first spinning trials (A.2.1) developed first weaving yarns, so that weaving trials could start on pilot and industrial looms (A.2.2). Further fine-tuning of the weaving yarns is needed. The spinning tests encountered slower and less efficient spinning (in comparison with flax) with as result, yarns of relatively poor quality. That is why the consortium asked to postpone some activities. A weaving demo was organised and first tests at external industrial weavers have been done (A.2.2). Preliminary knitting tests on pilot scale and industrial scale were hold too (A.2.3) and revealed issues too with the knitting yarns. The involved partners started preliminary tests with a selection of finishes and several boiling, bleaching and softening recipes at pilot scale (A.2.4). Contacts, meetings, presentations (A.2.5) were held with big brands (Hermes, Chanel, Givenchy, Vuitton, Decathlon) that are considering integrating hemp in the long term in their collections. Technical knowledge was gathered that will be shared in a later stage, once the results are more satisfying considering industrial standards. During a workshop at the semestrial meeting in Paris, the global communication strategy regarding hemp textile was discussed. During period 2, the consortium started to organize the final event too. H4C was presented at Ecosystex (webinar), de Journée d’échange (LCBio) and the EIHA Congress and a huge collaboration started with two fashion schools: La Cambre (Brussels) and ENSCI (Paris) ; and two textile schools : Enschede (NL) and Hogent. Progress in WP3: it is mainly the training for growers (A.3.1) that made progress during period 2 where training sessions, both theoretical and field visits, were organized. The content for year 2 was also discussed during a workshop in Paris. Hyler prepared year 2 of the training about machinery (A.3.2). The first session of the data farming training (A.3.3) was postponed to period 3. Based on the attendance lists, 228 people took part in the Hemp4Circularity training courses. Communication and dissemination: the project is very well-received, with active communication by all partners across digital channels. A first version of a booklet with woven and knitted fabric samples was created by Hogent and Libeco. All partners disseminated project activities via their websites and social media. Some partners also participated to conferences, webinars or showed samples at booths and attended some fairs or activities (see passive communication D.3.5.2). The project successfully navigated processing difficulties, postponing certain activities while working on improving agricultural and scutching practices for hemp. Overall, the project demonstrates effective coordination, knowledge dissemination, and adaptability to advance the use of hemp in textiles. The project progresses significantly thanks to the coordinated efforts of all partners. Valbiom continues to manage the project, ensuring that activities are proceeding as planned. Regular meetings, (eg semi-annual meetings and WP discussions), have strengthened collaboration and strategic decision-making. Valbiom played a crucial role in conducting a large-scale field trial (3 ha), gathering valuable insights into crop itinerary, harvesting techniques, and fibre production (A.1.1 - A.1.4). The data collected from this trial significantly contributed to the economic model (A.1.7) and PEF calculations (A.1.8). Inagro, Delphy and Van de Bilt also conducted large-scale field trials. Valbiom supported advancements in digital farming by integrating trial data into WatchItGrow and refining data collection methodologies (A.1.5). Inagro actively contributed to WP1 through data collection and analysis. It co-organized a WP1-3 meeting to evaluate the season's results, conducting multiple field visits to measure hemp growth and gather economic and PEF data. Inagro also showcased the WatchITGrow app at the Libramont fair, highlighting its relevance to digital farming. Through close collaboration with HOGENT, Lin et Chanvre Bio, CELC, Inagro, Valbiom, the farmer questionnaire to collect economic and environmental data was finalized and widely distributed to French scutchers via CELC and Lin et Chanvre Bio. HOGENT played a significant role by conducting technical trials, advising farmers on hemp cultivation, and collecting economic data from ten farmers to assess revenue per hectare (D1.7.2). Lin et Chanvre Bio organized targeted training sessions for farmers in Hauts-de-France. Their efforts to promote the project at major industry events, such as FENO, Bioeconomy Day, and the CELC Congress, helped increase sector engagement. Valbiom coordinated also some of WP2, preparing for international fairs and the final project event. It focused with CELC on refining communication tools and messages to ensure effective outreach to the fashion industry. Collaboration with an industrial knitter led to valuable trials using project-produced yarn (D.2.3.3), and fabric finishing tests with partners were also planned. HOGENT conducted industrial trials for spinning and weaving hemp yarns (A.2.1, A.2.2) and worked closely with Safilin and Libeco to evaluate yarn performance and quality. Progress was made in refining finishing techniques (A.2.4), and discussions with brands like Decathlon and Unilin explored the commercial potential (A.2.5). HOGENT also presented findings at Ecosystex in Milan and Circular Textile Days in the NL. Libeco continued its efforts in hemp fiber implementation with local weavers. Building on PR2 tests, further trials were conducted with various yarn weights. After weaving, fabrics underwent visual inspection and finishing processes, with results documented (D2.2.2). Libeco collaborated with Safilin to share insights on spinning and weaving alignment, ensuring process optimization (D2.2.1). Finished fabric samples were shared with HOGENT for additional testing and analysis (D2.2.3). Libeco also contributed to brainstorming sessions on potential applications, emphasizing European material sourcing and the involvement of designers for product conceptualization. Work began on e-learning and onsite training materials for weaving mills, textile manufacturers, designers, and brands (D2.5.1). Libeco contributed to developing educational and promotional materials for the 2026 fairs (D2.6.1), which will highlight hemp-based articles and emphasize their sustainability, European origin, and circularity. In WP3, multiple training sessions were organized. A field demo provided hands-on insights for participants (A.3.1), while a second winter session was prepared in collaboration. Contributions to the machine (A.3.2) and data (A.3.3) training sessions reinforced the project's educational component. Additionally, Valbiom worked with CELC and other partners to define the structure and timeline for the ambassador training program (A.3.4). CELC played a pivotal role in ensuring project visibility, disseminating activities at stakeholder meetings (A.3.5). It also integrated the project into its “All About Linen” training workshops in Paris, Milan, and London, engaging fashion and lifestyle brands in discussions that will contribute to future project milestones (A.3.4). In 2024, NATUVALIS again conducted hemp long-fiber field trials as part of the Interreg NWE project Hemp4Circularity. Within WP1, hemp is tracked from sowing to processing on flax scutching lines. The resulting long fibers are then used in various tasks and work packages across the project. NATUVALIS will provide samples of the 2024 long-fiber yield from German fields, offering insights into the fiber quality obtained in Germany and exploring the potential of hemp grown outside the flax basin, which is what the project aims to achieve in the other regions too.

Project outputs: Jointly developed pilot action: demonstrate the feasibility of growing a resilient textile fibre (long fibre hemp) without pesticides in NWE (BE, NL, DE) with professional harvesting machines (EN)
Jointly developed solution in real environment to integrate the rural areas in the biobased and circular economy by bringing a new, ecological crop. (EN)
Jointly developed pilot action: demonstrate the feasibility of scutching all types of long fibre hemp straw in flax scutching lines. (EN)
Jointly developed solution in real environment in order to scutch long fibre hemp on flax scutching lines with industrial capacity(EN)
Jointly developed pilot action to develop in real conditions a data-driven hemp cultivation(EN)
Jointly developed solution in real environment to implement data-driven hemp cultivation(EN)
Jointly developed pilot action to spin hemp fibres on flax spinning mills (EN)
Jointly developed solution in real environment to spin hemp fibre on flax spinning mills(EN)
Jointly developed pilot action to obtain local fabrics in 100% hemp with local hemp fibres(EN)
Jointly developed solution to knit or weave with the 100% locally grown hemp yarn obtained during the project(EN)
Participation in joint training : 3-year training scheme for growers to learn the cultivation of the long fibre hemp. (EN)
Participation in joint training 3-year session of a 1-day training in the field for contractors/harvesters to handle the different types of harvesting machines(EN)
Participation in joint training 3-year session of a 1-day training on data collecting for farmers, contractors, harvesters on site and online. (EN)
Participation in joint training scheme 1-year session to become ‘An Ambassador of hemp textile’ for brands and designers(EN)
Website: http://hemp4circularity.nweurope.eu

Thematic information

Clustering and economic cooperation

Priority: (VI-B_NWE_3) Transition towards a place-based circular economy

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 075 Support to environmentally-friendly production processes and resource efficiency in SMEs

Partners (12)

Lead Partner: Valorisation de la biomasse

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0477171704

Address: Chaussée de Namur, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.valbiom.be

Total budget: EUR 817 257.76

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 490 354.65

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 326 903.11

NATUVALIS GmbH

Name: NATUVALIS GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE346136697

Address: Oberer Markt, 95349 Thurnau, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.natuvalis.de

Total budget: EUR 141 120.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 672.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 448.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

CELC developpement

Name: CELC developpement

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR11692016850

Address: rue du louvre, 750001 Paris, France

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu

Total budget: EUR 116 423.06

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 69 853.83

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 46 569.23

Delphy BV

Name: Delphy BV

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL811269942B01

Address: Agro Businesspark, 6708 Wageningen, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.delphy.nl

Total budget: EUR 214 862.48

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 128 917.48

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 85 945.00

Libeco

Name: Libeco

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE 0450.577.982

Address: Tieltstraat, 8760 Meulebeke, Belgium

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.libeco.be

Total budget: EUR 175 644.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 105 386.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 257.60

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Safilin S.A.S.

Name: Safilin S.A.S.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR80333749992

Address: Rue de la Lys, 62840 Sailly sur la Lys, France

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: http://www.safilin.fr

Total budget: EUR 299 975.76

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 179 985.45

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 119 990.31

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

van de Bilt zaden en vlas bv

Name: van de Bilt zaden en vlas bv

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL008369094B01

Address: Langeweg, 4541PC Sluiskil, Netherlands

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.vandebiltzadenvlas.com

Total budget: EUR 417 927.84

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 250 756.70

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 167 171.14

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Hyler BV

Name: Hyler BV

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE 0667.953.282

Address: Vijvedreef, 8710 Wielsbeke, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.hyler.be

Total budget: EUR 466 560.92

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 279 936.55

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 186 624.37

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Hogeschool Gent

Name: Hogeschool Gent

Department: Research Centers AgroFoodNature & FTILab+

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0255.647.755

Address: Geraard de Duivelstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Department address: Geraard de Duivelstraat, 9000 Gent, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.hogent.be

Total budget: EUR 475 935.43

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 285 561.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 190 374.18

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER Article 20

Lin et Chanvre Bio

Name: Lin et Chanvre Bio

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR84799738737

Address: Impasse d'Artemare, 76450 Saint-Vaast Dieppedalle, France

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://linetchanvrebio.org

Total budget: EUR 288 550.72

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 173 130.43

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 115 420.29

Inagro provinciaal extern verzelfstandigd agentschap in privaatrechtelijke vorm vzw

Name: Inagro provinciaal extern verzelfstandigd agentschap in privaatrechtelijke vorm vzw

Department: Energie en circulaire economie

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 957386218

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE 0417.474.241

Address: Ieperseweg , 8800 Roeselare, Belgium

Department address: Ieperseweg , 8800 Roeselare, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.inagro.be

Total budget: EUR 397 065.45

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 238 239.27

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 158 826.18

Inagro

Name: Inagro

Department: Energie en circulaire economie

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 957386218

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE 0417.474.241

Address: Ieperseweg , 8800 Roeselare, Belgium

Department address: Ieperseweg , 8800 Roeselare, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.inagro.be

Total budget: EUR 397 065.45

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 238 239.27

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 158 826.18

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

NATUVALIS GmbH

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

CELC developpement

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Delphy BV

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Libeco

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Safilin S.A.S.

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

van de Bilt seeds and flax

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Hyler BV

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Ghent University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Lin et Chanvre Bio

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Inagro vzw

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Valbiom

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Partners and Projects info

Inagro

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Project acronym: Hemp4Circularity

Project ID: NWE0100054

Project start date: 2023-07-01

Project end date: 2026-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Projects on smart farming and data science in hemp/flax cultivation:
ATLAS EU Horizon 2020 project on data sharing networks in smart agriculture (partner Hyler involved);
DEMETER EU Horizon 2020 project on data sharing standardisation API’s (partner Hyler involved);
VLAIO LA trajectory (Flanders) Flaxsense 2.0 (2021-2025): the development of a digital visual monitoring tool for flax growers (partner Inagro involved) (EN) | The first experiences done within the projects ATLAS, DEMETER and Flaxsense 2.0 will help the partners in the tasks around data collection and data sharing with Farm Management Information Systems. As hemp is a growing business we need to make sure the data foundations are done in the correct way, with the goals of more sustainable cultivation, increased efficiency and competitiveness. (EN), Projects on hemp for the construction and the composites sector:
Interreg IVB Grow2Build (2013-2015) on the potential of hemp and flax for use as building materials (partner Inagro involved);
Interreg V Growing a green future (2017-2019) aimed at the development of innovative bio-based applications starting from the oils and/or technical fibre of different crops including hemp (partner Inagro involved);
Interreg COMPOSENS (2016-2020). Wood and vegetable fibre composite materials with low environmental impact (wood, hemp, flax) (partner Valbiom involved);
EU 7th Framework Multihemp (2012-2017): Multipurpose hemp for industrial bioproducts and biomass;
EU Horizon 2020 SSUCHY project: from lignocellulosic feedstock to bio-based composites with advanced functionalities for transportation and high value market niches
(EN) | The findings from these projects help to strengthen the rentability of the whole hemp chain in Hemp4Circularity. The end products after the scutching of hemp are, apart from the long fibres, also short fibres and shives. Hemp4Circularity aims to upscale an innovative way of developing hemp textiles, based on local long hemp fibres. The side streams, both the short fibres and the shives are valuable bio-based raw materials. The valorisation opportunities for these products in the construction sector were demonstrated within the projects Grow2Build and Growing a green future. The Multihemp, Composens and SUCCHY projects contributed to build a biobased composites value chain from hemp short fibres. In other words, all these projects show that the side products produced by Hemp4Cicrcularity can also be valorized in a sustainable way in the European bioeconomy, making hemp a real green deal. (EN), Projects on hemp for the textile industry:
EU HEMP SYS project (2002-2006): design, development and upscaling of a sustainable production systel for hemp textiles;
2017-2019: AAP Ecophyto II: ÉTUDIER LA FAISABILITÉ TECHNIQUE D’UNE FILIÈRE CHANVRE TEXTILE SUR LE BASSIN DE PRODUCTION SEINO-NORMAND convention: 1074917 Agence de l'Eau (partner LCBIO involved);
2018-2019 : AAP Action collectives pour la structuration des filières de qualite: Structuration d'une filière pour les étoupes de teillage de chanvre textile bio conven:2018 AGRI 179 Région Normandie (partner LCBIO involved);
2020-2021: AAP Agriculture et Changement Climatique" : Expérimentations dans le cadre du lancement d'une filière chanvre textile 2020-2021 – Chanvre Textile – convention: 1056135 Agence de l'Eau (partner LCBIO involved);
2022-2024: AAP: L'Agriculture s'adapte au Changement Climatique : Expérimentation sur deux cultures textiles : effets du chanvre sur le lin dans la rotation . convention 1096706 Agence de l'Eau (partner LCBIO involved);
PWO-HOGENT projects ‘Eigen Kweek’ [2017-2019] and ‘Cannabisness’ [2019-2022]. Interdisciplinary research projects, aiming to optimize the cultivation and processing of ‘long’ hemp for high-quality textile destinations, in order to assist the creation of a local hemp-for-textile value chain (partner HOGENT involved);
VLAIO – Tetra Hemp4All - [2017-2019]. Low-impact upgrading of hemp yarn and woven fabrics (partner HOGENT involved);
BioMaSER : Walloon fundings including the promotion of the local hemp value chain (partner Valbiom involved);
VLAIO LA trajectory (Flanders) Hemp4Textiles (2021-2024): fibre hemp for textile applications (partners HOGENT and Inagro involved) (EN) | These projects tackled the main problems of the hemp fibre production chain for textile destination from cultivation to the development of end products. Many of these projects are performed in collaboration with industrial partners. Hemp4Circularity elaborates on the knowledge and outcomes gathered in these projects by the various partners and benefits from the merging of the different scientific and industrial partners. This strong anchoring with both hemp cultivation and further steps in the textile production chain significantly increases the effectiveness and maximises the impacts of Hemp4Circularity. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 3 811 323.42

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 286 794.01

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 60.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 286 794.01. Co-financing rate, 60.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Protocol of demonstrative field trials testing different agronomic factors
Short annual report on the results of demonstrative field trials (year 1)
Short annual report on the results of demonstrative field trials (year 2)
Questionnaire for the follow up of the cultivation details of hemp grown at farms in the flax basin
Protocol of hemp grown at farms in Belgium and The Netherlands
Annual summary of fibre yield in relation to cultivation details in the Flax basin (year 1)
Annual summary of fibre yield in relation to cultivation details in the Flax basin (year 2)
Report: introduction, follow up & implementation of hemp in the flax basin - benefits and challenges
Report of the pilot actions in NL and BE in year 3.
Annual summary of the first hemp cultivation season in Germany
Annual summary of the second hemp cultivation season in Germany
Annual summary of the third hemp cultivation season in Germany
Report of the pilot action in DE in year 3
Report on technical advice given to farmers in NWE
Report on hemp harvesting
Report on hemp turning
Report on hemp baling
Report digital hemp farming: technical & agronomical data collection, registration & sharing
Report digital farming of hemp: challenges, opportunities and further steps (long term effect)
Annual summary of improved scutching & hackling of hemp (year 1)
Annual summary of improved scutching & hackling of hemp (year 2)
Annual summary of improved scutching & hackling of hemp (year 3)
Report of the interest of other scutching lines to process hemp (year 3)
Logbook to collect data for the economic model
Report of average yield/ha for hemp grown for textile in the NWE region
Report Exploration of the PEF calculation for European hemp grown for textile (long term effect)
Hemp crop fact sheet to introduce hemp to farmers
Hemp crop fact sheet with project results (long term effect)
Activity minutes of demos on field and scutching lines
Short report about Journée interprofessionelle de LCBio
Short report about presentations for farmers
Short report of the lectures for students in agronomy (long term effect)
Online videos showing hemp cultivation and farmers (long term effect)
Report of booth at Libramont's Fair 2023
Report of booth at Libramont's Fair 2024
Report of booth at Libramont's Fair 2025
Procedure for weaving yarns
Procedure for knitting yarns
Report on improved pretreatment of spinning
Report on hemp spinning demonstrative activity + adapting flax process
Report on hemp spinning implementing activity
Test protocol to assess yarn quality and processability
Report on yarn quality and processability
Test protocol to assess fabric quality
Report on hemp weaving demonstrative activity
Report on hemp weaving implementing activity
Test protocol to assess fabric quality
Report on hemp knitting demonstrative activity
Report on hemp knitting implementing activity
Report on whole garment knitting trials
Report on hemp pre-treatment and finishing demonstrative activity
Report on hemp pre-treatment and finishing implementing activity
Test protocol to assess comfort characteristics of hemp fabrics
Short report on the technical advice given to textile mills, confectioners, designers & brands
Short report targeting the processing of hemp year 1
Short report targeting the processing of hemp year 2
Short report targeting the processing of hemp year 3
Report of conference : how to process hemp, the results of Hemp4Circularity year 1
Report of conference : how to process hemp, the results of Hemp4Circularity year 2
Prototypes of garment produced in knitted fabrics
Prototypes of garment produced in woven fabrics
Prototypes of interior decoration and household linen in woven fabrics
Report on fiberizing hemp fabric waste
Report on ring spinning trials of recycled hemp fibres
Report on yarn quality and processability of recycled hemp
Report of the demonstration organized at the industrial recycling unit
Long term: Online conference on hemp value for industrials
Report of the booth at Première Vision
A sample book for garment textiles with different colours, finishings
Report of a booth at a fair dedicated to textile/innovative textile
A sample book for home textiles with different colours, finishings
A promotional leaflet of hemp
An online directory of the industrials/designers/suppliers working with hemp on the website
An online directory of the industrials/designers/suppliers working with hemp on the website updated
Presentation at the annual ETP Textile & Clothing Conference
Presentation at the CELC Conference
Report on the dissemination of the use of hemp yarn and fabrics to brands
Final event
Report on the dissemination activities to designers and textile schools
Report - A booth at Flax DNA
Poster presenting hemp textile at consumers
Report on the activities organised with museums
Report of session ‘crop itinerary’
Report of session ‘harvest mechanization’
Report of session ‘retting’
Report year I of training session machinery
Report year II of training session machinery
Report year III of training session machinery
Report year I of training session ‘data collecting and treatment’
Report year II of training session ‘data collecting and treatment’
Report year III of training session ‘data collecting and treatment’
Report of the training ‘The Ambassadors of hemp textile’
Report of the jointly developed strategy
Report on the passive communication
Report of period 1 : digital and press activities
Report of period 2 : digital and press activities
Report of period 3 : digital and press activities
Report of period 4 : digital and press activities
Report of period 5 : digital and press activities
Report of period 6 : digital and press activities

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

PSR 1: Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across borders, Measurement unit: Organisations

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North West Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-24

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

70 / 70 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

742 / 742 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Hemp as a driver of circularity in the textile industry: from field to recycled fibre

Description

Thematic information

Partners (12)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer