Scaling hemp as material for biocomposite solutions

Hemp can only become a serious raw material for large-scale applications of biocomposites if we develop an entire value chain for it. This is why NPSP is involved in the Hemp2Comp project ('Hemp-to-Composites'). The goal of this project is to promote the use of hemp fibers in composites by building a local value chain for hemp fibers in the cross-border region of Flanders and the Netherlands.

"For over 20 years, we have been working on the development of biocomposites. Together with our partners, we have developed a bio-based composite that is form-free, 100% bio-based, and incredibly strong. This material is suitable for many applications, ranging from traffic signs to shore protection, and from facade panels for construction to electronic enclosures. Together, we have demonstrated that it is possible to redesign our world with bio-based materials. Now, it's time to further shape the material transition and develop the entire chain from field to sale.

- Willem Böttger (Board Member & Head of Biocomposite Research at NPSP BV)

Scaling the hemp biocomposite value chain 

With the Hemp2Comp project, we aim to strengthen the local value chain. This includes research into hemp cultivation, the use of bio-resins, production processes for composite products, and end-of-life solutions. Hemp2Comp starts at the basics: with test fields where hemp is grown and methods to process it into usable material. The project then seeks to replace products currently made from synthetic materials with hemp fiber composites that have a lower environmental impact.

A demo batch of at least five end products, including a 100% bio-based facade panel, will be produced. Around these end products, the project will conduct analysis and provide guidance on how to realize the maximum potential in a circular economy, including a Global Warming Potential (GWP) analysis.

Hemp fiber as a proven alternative to synthetic materials 

The Hemp2Comp project aims to establish a local hemp fiber value chain in the cross-border region of Flanders and the Netherlands. Hemp, along with flax, is one of the natural fibers with the highest stiffness and strength. This gives hemp fibers the potential to be used in structural materials. Hemp fibers are a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials due to their CO2 absorption during growth and CO2 capture during their long lifespan. Additionally, this cultivation helps to remediate soils contaminated with PFAS/PFOS.

Objectives of Hemp2Comp

• Establishing a pilot project for fiber hemp cultivation. This will focus on cultivation research and opportunities on loam and sandy soils in Belgian Limburg, South Netherlands, and surrounding areas. Through necessary communication (the involved partners maintain close contact with farmers) and advice, we aim to convince farmers to include fiber hemp in their crop rotation.
• Processing the fiber and selecting bio-resins. The shives/hemp wood, short, and long hemp fibers will be purified and analyzed for quality. This will be fed back into cultivation techniques. An analysis of suitable (bio)resins will also be conducted.
• Evaluation of biocomposites. Both short and long fibers, as well as a mixture of fibers with wood particles, will be processed into various types of semi-finished products, which will then be tested in biocomposite production techniques (compression and infusion processes, pultrusion). In total, five parallel development trajectories are planned for the production of a biocomposite facade panel (C-Biotech), an acoustic panel (NPSP), a coffin - traffic sign - van windshield (Plantics), a bicycle parking facility (VVP), a traffic post, and a window profile (Deceuninck).
• Development of a demo batch and embedding of the value chain. A demo batch of at least five products will be produced. During the product development, an analysis and guidance will be set up on how to realize the maximum potential in a circular economy, including a GWP analysis.

Partners in this project include: 

Avantium Renewable Polyemers, KU-Leuven, Sirris, Compas-Agro

Project promotor: PIBO Campus

On this page all information regarding this project will be collected. 

Funded by:

Co-funded by:

Credits for visual: Sirris