Fibra is creating the UK’s first vertically integrated and regionally modular business to grow and process industrial hemp for use in manufacturing as a natural and sustainable fibre that meet commercial goals and environmental challenges.

We partner with farmers and landowners to cultivate and build the essential infrastructure that will deliver production and processing whilst working with universities and manufacturers to design and enhance the functional applications of the crop.

Fibra is building a network of mills across the UK to supply processed hemp fibre to local, national and international manufacturers in the UK. Built to process 8000-10000 tonnes of hemp straw per year, the processing site will serve growers within 25km of the site.

We believe supply and demand must be built in parallel. Mass adoption of the product drives demand for a consistent and sustainable supply but growers must have confidence in the demand.

The product streams from milled hemp straw are utilised in a vast array of products. The whole plant is milled into three distinct products: ast fibre, hurd and dust. All these product streams have a place in the manufacture of a hugely varied list of products.

Bast fibre, accounts for approximately 30% of the mills output. This is the fibrous material is the phloem or vascular tissue of the hemp plant. It can be spun and blended with other fibres in the production of woven fabrics for textiles with applications in aerospace, healthcare and apparel. The non-woven alternative is formed into mats for use in automotive, construction and hygiene.

A further 60% of the processors output is the hurd. This is the woody core of the plant and depending on the size or grade is utilised in packaging and printing, construction, animal litter and bedding.

The final product is the dust. Utilised as a component of industrial lubricants, pelletised for biomass energy and a peat free soil conditioner are among its enormous variety of applications.

Fibra works in partnership with academic institutions and industry to improve the quality of the product streams and increase adoption. The company is reinvigorating agriculture and rural communities - responding to Farmer’s challenges in the face of climate and legislative; whilst providing a UK based material source for manufacturers suffering disrupted cross-border supply chains by creating patentable processes and products.

Fibra seeks to exceed the environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments of all their partners and customers currently utilising synthetic or imported natural fibres to help them transition to locally sourced raw materials at industrial scale.

Hemp fibre delivers benefits for the grower and the manufacturer. Synthetic fibres such as rayon, polyester, carbon fibre are derived from hydrocarbons. The vast majority come from oil and gas industry. Natural fibres face a different but equally pernicious challenge. Fibres such as cotton, bamboo, coconut, jute travel 1000’s of miles to reach the consumer and utilise high levels of water, fertilizer and pesticide.

Hemp sequesters vast amounts of carbon above and below ground and improves soil structure. Saved carbon can be utilised throughout the supply chain offering off-setting opportunities for farmers and manufacturers.