TRANSFORM
HEMP
processing
of hemp processors
In France, 7 hemp processors carry out the initial processing of hemp. They are supplied by 1,550 producers with whom they sign 3 to 5-year supply contracts. Employing 300 people, these hemp processors transformed more than 141,000 tonnes of hemp in 2023.
Hemp Processors
from hemp
La graine de chanvre, également appelée chènevis, représente 11 % du poids de la plante et 21 % de sa valeur économique. Hemp seeds represent 11% of the plant's weight and 21% of its economic value. When sorted and calibrated, it can be processed by hemp processors into whole or dehulled seeds, oil, flour, or cake. Hemp seed's market share in human food is growing strongly as it is considered a health food due to its exceptional nutritional qualities. Other markets for hemp seeds include bird feed and fishing sectors.
Hemp hurds represent 44% of the plant's weight and 27% of its economic value. They are obtained from the woody central part of the stem and processed into calibrated aggregate according to its future use. These aggregates are particularly well valued in construction to produce hemp concrete, a material prized in eco-construction for its performance in terms of insulation, thermal inertia, moisture regulation, and carbon footprint. They are also commonly used as animal bedding or horticultural mulch.
Hemp fiber, representing 24% of the plant's weight and 50% of the economic value, is extremely resistant and used in various fields: textiles, paper, construction, and plastics. The textile market is the most promising, as hemp is 100% natural, unlike current textiles. Hemp processors transform the fiber into different categories (long, semi-long, short, cellulosic) to integrate it into existing spinning systems (linen, wool, cotton, cellulosic products).
Hemp dust or fines represent 21% of the plant's weight but only 2% of its economic value. This third product from decortication consists of small particles of fiber and hurds, as well as mineral matter. 80% of this powder is used in compressed form to produce energy in industrial boilers, while the remaining 20% is used for compost or other purposes.
materials
The hemp hurds used to make hemp concrete fall under the "Hemp Aggregate Label". This label is part of a quality approach defined in Professional Rules and allows for the construction of all types of buildings: individual and collective housing, commercial buildings, etc.
board
Hemp-based particle board is ecological, lightweight, and resistant. Its breathable structure regulates humidity, reducing the risk of mold, while offering a sustainable alternative to traditional boards.
Hemp wool is a very effective substitute for traditional petroleum-based insulation. Its thermal, acoustic, and hypoallergenic qualities make it an ideal material that contributes to indoor comfort.
Short fiber allows hemp fiber to be adapted to cotton production machines and produces textiles blending hemp with another fiber (cotton, lyocell, etc.).
Semi-long fiber allows hemp fiber to be adapted to wool production machines and enables the production of 100% hemp yarns that are coarser, particularly for furnishing.
Long fiber allows the use of the same spinning techniques as linen and enables the production of natural, 100% hemp yarns used in clothing and furnishing.
Cellulosic fiber enables the production of lightweight and resistant textile fibers, offering an alternative to petroleum-derived materials for clothing, technical textiles, or composites.
Compounds, composite pellets, are obtained by mixing a resin matrix (bio-based or not) with micronized hemp fibers. They are used to manufacture injected plastic parts.
Dehulled seed is used for food. Its nutritional qualities and taste make it a healthy and creative ingredient for many recipes.
Hemp oil is obtained by cold extraction. Purification is achieved through decantation and filtration without chemical processing. Its texture is very fluid and its lipid profile is rich in omega 3.
Hemp seeds, whole or dehulled, are first ground and defatted. The dry protein is then finely ground to obtain a powder with very high nutritional qualities.
Cake is obtained after pressing the seeds for hemp oil production. It is used in animal feed for its high protein quality.
& briquettes
Compressed hemp dust briquettes represent a renewable resource for the industrial sector, supplying energy producers in the territory.
their uses
PROCESSING
PROCESS
& publications