Bio-based residual streams with potential in the technical textile industry

Purpose and goal:

In this project, we want at an early stage to combine the technical textile industry´s need for new climate-smart and resource-efficient materials with applied research on how to make better use of residual flows from the food industry. Finola is an industrial hemp variety that is mainly used to get seeds and oil for food. After seed harvesting, hemp stalks are left in the field or discarded.

The need for sustainable circular bio-based materials in technical textiles will increase as society becomes more fossil-independent, where residues from the hemp industry can play an important role Expected results and effects:

Effects and results from this project are expected to strengthen Swedish innovation and contribute to global climate benefits, knowledge and methods for sustainably extracting textile fibers from hemp´s waste residues. The obtained fibers will be used to manufacture textile nonwoven structures that will be used in various technical applications. The project will also help to increase skills throughout the supply chain from farmers to textile manufacturers, which will strengthen the ability to move towards a circular economy.

Approach and implementation:

The project will be organized in five work packages, in addition to project management and communication the project will optimize and evaluate the extraction of textile fibers and the manufacture of textile structures. The project will also assess possible value-added applications according to the needs of the market and the industrial parties. The results will be communicated in relevant context such as conferences, publications and similar.