Imagine replacing heavy, non-recyclable fiberglass with strong fibers made from hemp plants and glues made from plants instead of oil. This project creates a full production line, from growing the hemp to making high-tech fabrics and tapes. It's like upgrading a natural material to perform like industrial plastic, but it can be recycled at the end of its life.
Industrial composites rely heavily on glass fibers and petroleum-based resins, which are carbon-intensive and difficult to recycle. There is a lack of high-quality, industrial-scale bio-based alternatives that match the performance of synthetic materials.
Industrial-scale hemp preforms (UD tape, woven fabrics) and three bio-based resins (acrylic, benzoxazine, BG-epoxy). A 12.6m wind turbine blade and hybrid wood-hemp construction materials were produced as demonstrators.
If you are a wind turbine manufacturer dealing with the environmental impact of fiberglass blades — this project developed a 12.6 meter long wind turbine blade made from hemp and bio-based acrylic that offers a circular alternative.
If you are a materials supplier dealing with the need for low-carbon structural elements — this project developed high performance construction materials using hybrid wood-hemp reinforcement and bio-based resins.
If you are a parts manufacturer dealing with high material costs and carbon taxes — this project developed high quality unidirectional hemp tape and fabrics that compete with glass fiber composites.
Based on available project data, the project aims to offer a cost-effective alternative to glass fiber composites, specifically by utilizing less expensive medium length fibers.
Yes, the project aims to bring the hemp fiber supply chain to TRL 7, with industrial scale production of woven fabrics, quasi-unidirectional fabrics, and unidirectional hemp tape already underway.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project is developing three specific bio-based resins, including Elium® and bio-based benzoxazine.
The project roadmap aims to deliver bio-substituted resins with at least 90% bio-based content by month 30.
All developments in the project are monitored and adjusted using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ensure they are environmentally sound.
The consortium is highly commercially oriented, featuring 18 partners with a 50% industry ratio (9 industrial partners, including 5 SMEs). This balance between 6 universities and 2 research centers suggests a strong pipeline from lab to market, with a specific focus on scaling production across 6 European countries.
Contact the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven for technical specifications on hemp preforms.
Contact us to connect with the SSUCHY-Next industrial partners for bio-composite sourcing.
