Introduction about Hemp2Comp
At Prince Fibre, we are proud to participate in the Hemp2Comp project, a European Union-funded initiative focusing on climate change and the transition to a circular and sustainable economy.
This innovative project places hemp fiber at the center as a promising raw material in the “fiber” category.
Hemp, a crop with minimal environmental impact, not only provides solutions for non-food purposes, but also plays a crucial role in addressing environmental problems such as PFAS/PFOS pollution.
Objectives of the Project
Hemp2Comp (Hemp to Composites) aims to develop at least five new biocomposite products composed of locally grown hemp and a bio-resin.
The project offers huge opportunities for products currently made from fiberglass and polyester by replacing them with carbon-neutral and/or fully bio-based counterparts in hemp.
This not only contributes to environmental conservation, but also creates financial value for the agricultural sector through crop diversification.
The project places a strong emphasis on cooperation and knowledge sharing between all sectors involved in the value chain, from hemp cultivation to the final product.
Our Role in the Project
At Prince Fibre, we contribute to the development and production of these innovative biocomposites.
Our expertise in composite materials, combined with our commitment to innovation and quality, allows us to play a role in the development of environmentally friendly biocomposites.
We are responsible for integrating hemp fibers into our existing production processes and developing new applications for this environmentally friendly raw material.
Project Components
The Hemp2Comp project consists of four major components: Pilot Field Operation (WP3): A trial field operation will be set up around fiber hemp in Flanders and the southern Netherlands, focusing on cultivation research and opportunities for farmers.
The agricultural sector will be actively involved to convince growers of the benefits of hemp cultivation. Purification and Quality Analysis (WP4): Hemp wood, short and long hemp fibers will be purified through process innovation on existing natural fiber processing lines and analyzed for quality.
This data will be fed back to cultivation techniques and suitable (bio)resins will also be investigated. Semi-finished Products and Production (WP5): Short and long fibers, as well as mixtures of fibers with hemp wood, are processed into different types of semi-finished products.
These are then tested in biocomposite production techniques such as pressing and infusion processes and pultrusion.
Prince Fibre plays a key role here in the development of innovative production methods for these biocomposites. Demo Production and Circular Economy (WP6 & WP7): A demo batch of at least five finished products will be produced, including a biocomposite charging post, acoustic panel, funeral box, bicycle parking facility, traffic post and window profile.
During product development, analysis and guidance will be set up to realize the maximum potential in a circular economy, including a GWP (Global Warming Potential) analysis.
This page will bundle all information around the project.
