About project - Textile materials library

Hemp Material Library – Revitalising the Hemp Textile Sector

We connect growers, processors, and manufacturers of hemp-based materials across the V4 countries and Germany, with the aim of creating a sustainable value chain and supporting innovation in hemp textiles.

This database includes:

factories, machinery, technologies, and processing capacities for materials and finished products,
experts in textile technologies,
affiliated institutions focused on the textile industry,
farms capable of supplying raw materials suitable for textile processing,
universities specializing in natural fibres and textiles.

Creating the Conditions for the Revival of the Hemp Textile Industry in the V4 Region and Beyond

The aim of the project is to revitalise the hemp textile industry in the V4 region and beyond. It brings together renowned partners from the V4 countries and Germany with extensive expertise and experience.

The core idea of the project is to map what remains of the textile industry in our countries, identify the needs and opportunities for its sustainable revival, propose strategies for reaching key markets, and validate an innovative technology for producing hemp textile fibre.

The project's main outcome is a digital database of entities that are currently, or have previously been, capable of processing hemp stalks, fibres, yarns, or textiles within the region.

The project is co-financed by the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the Fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.

In addition to CzecHemp, the project partners are:

Czech Hemp Cluster Association (CZ)

support the innovation policy of the European Union based on the Green Deal, the national policy of international competitiveness and the development of the hemp bioeconomy in the Czech Republic with implementing hemp production as versatile source of natural materials, nutritional food and beneficial medicine

Personaly Michal , Hanna

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and more about Czech Hemp

Our mission is to support traditional artistic and craft-based practices that embrace experimentation and innovation. Dr

Textile centrum 100% (SK)

An open platform in Slovakia dedicated to working with textile materials and technologies, serving traditional crafts, design, art, and innovation. We provide a space for learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.

Our mission is to support traditional artistic and craft-based practices that embrace experimentation and innovation. Drawing on a rich cultural heritage, we aim to inspire students, textile designers, and artists to explore, experiment, share knowledge, and develop their skills alongside us.

The LAB is equipped with a dyeing studio, laboratory facilities, and a material library focused on innovative and environmentally certified materials, locally sourced resources, and the history of textile production in the region.

A place where you can learn traditional textile and craft techniques throughout the year. Our facilities include handlooms, a digitally programmed Jacquard loom, tapestry frames, tufting guns, sewing machines, knitting machines, spinning wheels, and equipment for wool spinning.

We organize workshops and inspiring lectures across a wide range of disciplines for both professionals and the general public. Our focus is on supporting local communities, promoting sustainable and innovative approaches to design, and advancing cradle-to-cradle and circular design principles.

We host international artist residencies and collaborate with textile centres across Europe. We also provide consultancy services in the fields of innovative materials and textile technologies.

More about Textilne centrum 100%

Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants – National Research Institute (PL)

The Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants – National Research Institute is an interdisciplinary research organisation of international significance, dedicated to comprehensive research on the cultivation, processing, and utilization of natural fibre crops and medicinal plants.

We conduct numerous national and international research projects and collaborate with scientific institutions worldwide. Our work supports agriculture, environmental protection, construction, transportation, the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and medicine.

Our institute hosts the Research and Development Centre for Pharmacological Analysis of Medicinal Plants, an Accredited Flammability Testing Laboratory, and a Textile Laboratory accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation. Equipped with advanced scientific instruments and testing facilities, these laboratories enable the evaluation of flammability, physical, and mechanical properties of a wide range of materials, including textile products for various industrial applications.

Our Main Areas of Research and Activity

Biotechnology and genetic engineering of fibre crops (flax and hemp) and medicinal plants
Breeding of new fibre and medicinal plant varieties, agronomy, and primary processing
Technologies for obtaining, processing, and modifying natural fibres for textile and non-textile applications, including composites
Development of new applications for oilseed varieties of fibre crops in nutrition and health-related products
Production of agro-based fine chemicals from plant raw materials
Biofuels derived from fibre crops
Nanostructured biopolymers for advanced applications
Biodeterioration and thermal degradation studies
Functionalisation of biomaterials using nanoparticles
Development of environmentally friendly and health-safe bio-protective and flame-retardant solutions
Formulation and technology development for herbal medicinal products
Pharmacological and microbiological research on herbal raw materials, preparations, and technical materials
Plant-derived prebiotic feed additives
Safety assessment of novel foods and their impact on human health
Comprehensive analysis of biologically active compounds for quality evaluation
Preparation of expert reports and registration documentation for plant protection products, chemicals, biocides, and fertilisers
Research on medicinal plants, herbal products, botanical medicines, dietary foods, and functional foods
Development of renewable and biodegradable raw materials for industry
Environmental protection in natural fibre processing
Expert consultancy and advisory services for governmental institutions, local authorities, and industry

In addition, we conduct research on the rehabilitation of industrially contaminated land through the cultivation of non-food crops, the valorisation of by-products generated during fibre processing, and the development of advanced composite materials based on natural fibres.

We also investigate the physiological effects of fibres, fabrics, and textile products on human well-being and health, contributing to the development of innovative human-centred textile solutions.

Through scientific excellence, innovation, and international collaboration, we contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture, natural fibre industries, bio-based materials, and the future of environmentally responsible technologies.

more about Institute of Natural Fibers and Medicinal Plants – National Research Institute

What Does Kender-Cucc Ltd. Do?
Our company is involved in a wide range of activities related to industrial hemp, from e

Kender-Cucc Kft (HU)

We consider it our mission to promote more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices through the use of advanced technologies. Guided by this approach, we develop premium-quality products that we proudly offer to our customers and business partners.

What Does Kender-Cucc Ltd. Do?

Our company is involved in a wide range of activities related to industrial hemp, from expanding the knowledge base required for cultivation and processing to bringing finished products to market.

What does this mean in practice?

We could talk about it for hours and fill books with the subject—and perhaps we will in the future! In summary, our activities include:

Field variety and technology trials
Comprehensive consultancy services for the hemp industry
Seed production
Fibre hemp cultivation
Primary hemp processing
Harvesting technology development
Rental of harvesting technologies and equipment
Supplying retail and wholesale markets
Development and introduction of new products for domestic and international markets

Technological Experiments? Yes!

Although hemp textile processing has a centuries-long tradition and many conventional methods are still used today, industrial-scale applications require continuous research and development to improve efficiency and performance.

One of the key stages in advanced hemp processing is decortication. This process separates the outer fibres of the hemp stalk from the much harder woody core (shiv) found in the centre of the stem. The two resulting materials are typically used for different purposes.

The fibre obtained through decortication is ideal for spinning hemp yarn, weaving fabrics, and producing knitted garments, making it an excellent raw material for the textile industry. Hemp shiv is primarily used in the construction sector, although it can also be processed into activated carbon. Through pyrolysis technologies, the material can be further transformed into additional value-added products.

In one of our field experiments, decortication was carried out without the traditional retting process, which differs from conventional hemp processing methods. The objective of the experiment was to extract fibres directly from freshly harvested hemp plants.

Another demonstration shows hemp threshing—the separation of seeds from the stalk—using a specialised threshing machine developed specifically for Hungarian hemp varieties. The technology is based on a combing-threshing method used during the 1980s and performs the separation gently enough to replace manual threshing.

This process preserves the high quality and germination capacity of hemp seed.

KOMPOLTI – The King of Hemp Varieties

Learn more about this renowned Hungarian hemp variety.

Retail and Wholesale Supply

We provide products and services to both retail and wholesale partners, supporting the hemp value chain from cultivation to market distribution.

more about Kender-Cucc Kft

NATUVALIS GmbH (DE)

At NATUVALIS, we are committed to building a sustainable and regional value chain for industrial hemp in Europe. Based in Germany, we focus on the cultivation, processing, and development of hemp-based materials and innovative applications derived from this versatile natural resource.

Our mission is to unlock the full potential of industrial hemp by utilizing every part of the plant—from seeds and fibres to shives and valuable bio-based compounds. Through research, innovation, and collaboration with farmers, industry partners, and research institutions, we contribute to the development of a circular and environmentally responsible bioeconomy.

Our activities include:

Development of regional hemp cultivation and processing networks
Production and processing of industrial hemp
Research and development of textile-grade hemp fibres
Innovation in sustainable materials and natural fibre technologies
Support for circular economy principles and low-impact manufacturing
Collaboration with European partners across the hemp and textile sectors

As a partner in international initiatives such as Hemp4Circularity, we are helping to establish a fully integrated European value chain for textile hemp—from cultivation and fibre processing to textile production and recycling.

We believe that hemp offers a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional raw materials, contributing to climate protection, resource efficiency, and the future of responsible textile production.

more about Natuvalis

We are an association of companies, research organisations, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders represen

Czech Technology Platform for Textiles (CZ)

association of companies, research organisations, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders representing the Czech textile and clothing sector.

We are an association of companies, research organisations, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders representing the Czech textile and clothing sector. Our mission is to strengthen innovation, research, and collaboration across the textile industry and to support its long-term competitiveness both nationally and internationally.

Since our establishment in 2008, we have been working to connect industrial enterprises, universities, research institutes, and professional organisations in order to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem for the Czech textile and clothing industry. Through strategic cooperation, knowledge exchange, and technology transfer, we help transform the sector into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven industry.

Our vision is simple:

Innovation in every Czech textile and clothing company.

We strive to create favourable conditions for research, development, and innovation, enabling both qualitative and quantitative growth within the industry. By strengthening innovation capacities, we support the development of advanced fibres, technical textiles, textile products, and apparel while enhancing the global competitiveness of the Czech textile sector.

Our key activities include:

Building long-term cooperation between industry, research organisations, and educational institutions
Identifying future trends in textile research, development, and innovation
Developing and implementing strategic agendas for the advancement of the textile and clothing industry
Supporting technology transfer and innovation management
Improving conditions for research and innovation by addressing legislative, financial, and educational challenges
Promoting international cooperation and participation in European research and innovation networks

As a member of the European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing (ETP), we actively contribute to shaping the future of the European textile industry and strengthening collaboration between Czech and international partners.

Through our activities, we support the sustainable development, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness of the Czech textile and clothing industry.

more about Czech Technology Platform for Textiles

One of the greatest fulfilments in life is to be part of something much bigger than oneself. This belief inspired the cr

HEMPSKA Slovak Hemp Association (SK)

One of the greatest fulfilments in life is to be part of something far greater than oneself. It is this belief and purpose that inspired the creation of our association.

One of the greatest fulfilments in life is to be part of something much bigger than oneself. This belief inspired the creation of the Slovak Hemp Association (HEMPSKA).

Founded in 2022 by a group of passionate individuals from across Slovakia, HEMPSKA was established with a clear vision: to unlock the potential of industrial hemp and help transform it into a new pillar of the Slovak economy. We bring together growers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates who share a common goal—to rebuild the hemp sector through knowledge sharing, innovation, and the development of processing capacities.

Our mission is to support and promote industrial hemp cultivation and its sustainable use across multiple sectors. We work to raise awareness about the environmental, economic, and social benefits of hemp while fostering collaboration between industry, academia, public institutions, and policymakers.

Our key areas of activity include:

Education and public awareness
Professional consulting and advisory services
Research and innovation
Advocacy and policy development
Support for hemp cultivation and processing
Building partnerships across the hemp value chain

Our vision is to restore hemp to its rightful place within Slovak agriculture and industry. We strive to contribute to the establishment of regional hemp processing centres across eastern, central, and western Slovakia, supported by mobile decortication technologies that can operate directly in the field.

We believe hemp can play a significant role in developing a sustainable, circular, and green economy. Through collaboration with universities, researchers, businesses, and local communities, we support the creation of new opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, textiles, bio-based materials, and environmental innovation.

HEMPSKA is also actively involved in international cooperation projects focused on the revival of the hemp textile industry and the development of sustainable hemp-based value chains across Central Europe.

Our goal is to build an informed society that recognizes the benefits of hemp and supports its diverse applications in industry, ecology, research, and everyday life.

more about HEMPSKA

Hemp Material Library – Revitalising the Hemp Textile Sector

Creating the Conditions for the Revival of the Hemp Textile Industry in the V4 Region and Beyond