Historically, textile hemp was of great importance and is one of the oldest cultivated plants of mankind. With the prohibition of cannabis as a narcotic, the use of the fibre also fell into oblivion. Only in recent years textile hemp has been increasingly rediscovered. Its technical and ecological properties make it the ideal textile raw material for a sustainable future - so ideal that we cultivate it ourselves.
When it comes to sustainability, hemp is unbeatable. It can be grown in an eco-friendly way without pesticides, herbicides or additional irrigation. Its roots loosen up farmland and supply it with nutrients. Therefore, there is no danger of soil degradation. Hemp can be easily grown in Europe and thus offers a high-quality regional textile raw material.
We are co-founders and shareholders of Kender Cucc Kft. in Hungary, founded in 2022. There, ten textile experts contribute their expertise on hemp cultivation and processing. At Kender Cucc, textile hemp is cultivated, grown, and processed on a small commercial scale. In 2022, 30 tonnes of hemp straw were already harvested and partly spun into high-tenacity yarns.
Recently, hemp has also been cultivated in the Allgäu region in Germany. It is predominantly seed hemp for oil and protein production. Nevertheless, hemp straw is produced here as a by-product as well. We are in close contact with the farmers in order to make good use of the fibres from the hemp straw.
Our own hemp production is currently still in its early stages. To allow us to work on developments together with customers, we have established a wide range of fibres, yarns, and fabrics from the market.
As a pioneer in the use of hemp for high-quality technical applications, we are well connected in the industry. In addition to numerous development projects with universities, we are a member of the Natural Fiber Circle of the Alliance for Fiber Based Materials AFBW.
