Hydrofobic fibers

Replaceing plastics and hazardous chemicals in disposable textiles!

With support from Processum's R&D Council, Cass Materials AB and CELLUHEMP AB has entered a colaboration on producing fossil-free, water-repellent fibers made from industrial hemp. The fibers are completely free of plastic and harmful chemicals.

The goal is to create sustainable alternatives for nonwoven fabrics - with a focus on both environmental benefits and industrial usability. Industrial hemp has several climate benefits - it absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, requires minimal pesticide inputs and can be grown on land that is not suitable for other crops. This makes it an interesting future resource for a more robust and circular bioeconomic system.

In a new project, run by Cass Materials AB in collaboration with Celluhemp AB, fossil-free and water-repellent fibers will be developed from hemp hurd - a natural by-product of industrial hemp. The aim is to develop sustainable alternatives for nonwoven products such as face masks, protective gowns and other disposable items where both durability and functionality are crucial.

The collaboration is an important step towards environmentally friendly and resource-efficient textiles, with great potential for both the healthcare sector and industry in general. - “Our ambition is to show that it is possible to replace fossil and chemical-heavy textile materials with functional, completely bio-based alternatives. Working with industrial hemp as a raw material makes the project both technically exciting and climate strategic”, says Garys Cass, Cass Materials AB.

The project is being carried out with support from Processum's R&D Council within the framework of the Innovation Platform Bioeconomy, with funding from the EU's Regional Development Fund, Region Västernorrland, Örnsköldsvik Municipality and RISE.

Plastic-free and Smart – The Future of Textiles Is Taking Shape