Biofibre initiative launch sets the stage for supply chain growth
The Biofibre Special Interest Group (SIG) launched its initiative with a successful event spotlighting innovation across the biofibre supply chain. Representatives from seed producers and farmers to processors, manufacturers, and construction companies gathered to discuss the industry's current state, growth potential, and strategies for achieving it.
Innovation throughout the supply chain
Held at Harrison Spinks' hemp processing plant south of York, the event highlighted how biofibres can transform multiple sectors through presentations from industry experts.
- Harrison Spinks exemplified the innovative use of biofibres. Their award-winning hand-crafted luxury mattresses combine hemp grown and processed in Yorkshire with other locally sourced natural fibres like wool and flax, resulting in breathable and sustainable products.
- Elsoms Seeds demonstrated how it’s leading the UK in seed research, including involvement in the multi-partner InnovateUK-funded Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping. This research is aimed at new crop varieties with high carbon capture that are also adaptable to the UK's changing climate, ensuring a resilient and sustainable supply chain for the biofibre industry.
- Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) provides cutting-edge melt and wet spinning equipment for technical textile materials manufacture. Their presentation showcased innovative methods for processing hemp fibre residue into rayon and viscose, opening new doors for diverse end-use applications.
- IndiNature is at the forefront of natural fibre insulation for the construction industry. Made with hemp grown in East Yorkshire, their IndiTherm thermal batts offer a sustainable, low-carbon and breathable alternative to traditional insulation materials and is the first product of its kind to achieve BBA accreditation. They are actively working with local farmers to secure a reliable supply chain close to their production facilities to minimise their carbon footprint. In addition, their ThermaPad product for suspended ceilings developed with SIG Mayplas was used to retro-insulate our offices in York.
Focus on future growth
The event fostered discussions on strengthening the biofibre supply chain which will help inform the Biofibre Special Interest Group’s focus at future workshops and visits. Key themes that emerged included:
- Market demand: Increased consumer adoption driven by regulations, standards, contractual obligations, farming subsidies, and education is crucial for growth.
- UK supply chain expansion: This will require growth in market demand, education, knowledge transfer, and farming subsidies.
- Innovation funding: The UK government must overcome the reduction in EU research and development funding available to the UK and enable knowledge transfer.
- Opportunities across the spectrum: Biofibre sector growth offers opportunities for UK industry, from seed production and farming to processing, manufacturing, and new product development (replacing petrochemical-based materials).
- Secondary benefits: Biofibre adoption allows farmers to diversify. The use of biofibres could also provide healthier living and working environments.
Next steps and how to get involved
This event was the first of a series of events and workshops. If you would like to be kept up-to-date with details of future events and news from the biofibre sector please subscribe via this link.
The Biofibre Special Interest Group is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North Yorkshire Council.
It is steered by representatives from the biofibre sector including Grow Yorkshire, Elsoms Seeds, East Yorkshire Hemp, Harrison Spinks, IndiNature and SHD Composites.
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