There is an increasing interest in the field of fibre crops in Europe. New processing plants are emerging in Britain and Germany, and there is an increasing demand for fibre crops like flax and industrial hemp.
Challenge
Many countries in Europe take a great interest in flax and especially industrial hemp. This is not least due to the fact that industrial hemp involves a huge profit potential and can be used for many different products for which there is an increasing market in Europe. The challenge is to be able to grow and sell a new crop like, for example, industrial hemp. This depends on the harvesting concept, the ability to find a processing plant and whether there is a market for this new type of crop.
It is also a great challenge for a company to use a new type of crop in the production, but the benefits are numerous. By using renewable crops absorbing CO2, we bring added value to the production and contribute to improving the environment.
Tasks
AgroTech is engaged in many projects in the field of vegetable fibres with the aim of creating added value and improving the environment. Among others, we participate in the following project: “Harvest and fractionation of industrial hemp by use of a mobile decortication unit”. The aim of this project is to develop an effective harvesting and processing concept which allows fibre crops to be separated into fibre and wood particles (shives) already in the field.
We are also involved in a number of innovation projects with the aim of using fibre crops in new products and for new applications. We carry out business development and product development and optimise the value chain from primary production to final consumption.
Development perspectives
The vegetable fibre production is increasing with the demand for renewable materials. Our experts in vegetable fibres have participated in development projects in this area for many years. They have contributed to developing a completely new business concept where a number of different stakeholders co-operate in using vegetable crops for new products and new applications.
We are contacted by companies all the time which seek advice on which new raw materials they can use in their production, contributing to a more sustainable development in the field of building materials, culture media, absorption, geotextiles, etc.
Related subjects
• OUR POINT OF VIEW Renewable Energy Act and energy crop production
