6. Industrial processing into technical applications and food products

Hemp is used in a wide variety of applications. Besides the choice of the variety (Chapter 3), the cultivation practices, and the harvesting methods (Ch5), also processing has a direct influence on the quality of hemp, depending on its intended applications. The first processing step consists in the separation of the hemp straw into the bast fibres and the woody core material, called shives or hurds (§6.1). Subsequently, different products can be produced, starting from these two raw materials.

Explanation of possible (textile) applications of hemp fibre

The vast majority of hemp production in Western Europe is used for technical applications (§6.2 – 6.6).

The use of hemp for textiles is relatively small-scale and mainly takes place in China and Eastern Europe. However, processors are working on the development of the complete value chain for textile fibre processing in Western Europe. More information on textile applications is given in Chapter 7.

Processing of flowers, leaves, and seeds into food products is still a relatively niche market (§6.7).

The sections below discuss processing of hemp into different technical products and their important characteristics.

§6.1 Separation of bast fibres and core material (shives)

§6.2 Insulating mats for the construction industry (fibres)

§6.3 Biocomposites for the automotive sector (fibres)

§6.4 Growing medium and ground cover for horticulture (fibres)

§6.5 Building blocks/mortar for construction (shives)

§6.6 Animal bedding (shives)

§6.7 Use in nutrition (seeds, leaves and flowers)