Hemp2Comp: from hemp to composite
Plantics develops bioresins to convert with natural fibres into biocomposites, 100% biobased. Hemp is a key fibre in this respect. The crop has minimal environmental impact during cultivation. It also captures a lot of carbon. The lightweight properties of hemp fibres are comparable to conventional, energy-intensive glass fibres.
To ensure a sufficient supply of high-quality hemp fibres from the region, we participate in the Interreg project Hemp2Comp (Hemp to Composites). All links in the hemp chain are involved, from cultivation to production. The goal is the transition to a circular sustainable economy, based on a full and local hemp fibre chain anchored with a stable sales market.
Replacing polluting raw materials
From trial fields for growing hemp, through harvesting and processing methods to production of biocomposite products. This involves replacing products currently made of fibreglass/polyester with carbon-neutral and/or fully bio-based counterparts in hemp. The project is strongly committed to cooperation and knowledge sharing between all sectors involved in the value chain: from hemp cultivation to finished product.
Biocomposite products
Within the project, we are developing at least five new biocomposite products. In doing so, Plantics will take on the production of a funeral coffin, traffic signs and automotive parts made of biocomposite. With its pioneering role, the project creates opportunities for raw materials with minimal environmental impact on the one hand. On the other hand, the cultivation of hemp creates financial added value in agriculture with low environmental impact cultivation. And which provides crop diversification.
Project objectives
The project focuses on four project objectives:
- Improving the cultivation of hemp and activating farmers to grow hemp.
- Improving fibre processing and analysis of suitable (bio)resins.
- Evaluation of biocomposites based on different fibre fractions and processed into different semi-finished products. In addition, the development of at least five different products from the biocomposites. Besides the Plantics funeral coffin, traffic signs and automotive parts, the production of a charging station (Powerstation), an acoustic panel (NPSP), bicycle parking facility (VVP), traffic post (C-Biotech) and a window profile (Deceuninck) is planned.
- Development of a demo batch of the new products, of at least 5 products. This includes analysis and guidance on the maximum potential of each product in a circular economy (including GWP analysis).
Want to know more?
This project was funded by the European Union. All information from the various participants can be found on the Interreg site. We will keep you updated on the progress of our sub-project on this Plantics page.
Project duration: 01/03/2024 – 28/02/2027