Hemp Fiber
Hemp fiber refers to the durable bast fibers and inner woody hurd of the hemp stalk, which serve as the raw material for textiles, biocomposites, and paper. Known for its incredible tensile strength and low environmental footprint, industrial hemp fiber is a versatile agricultural commodity used in high-performance applications ranging from automotive parts to sustainable fashion. Building a robust fiber supply chain is a foundational element in establishing Michigan’s bio-based manufacturing economy.
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Hemp Building Workshop Success
by Dave Crabill
/ September 15, 2025
With a total of thirty participants, the event drew in a powerful mix of voices including professors, lobbyists, builders, architects, real estate agents, farmers, entrepreneurs, and even private homeowners who […] …
Phytoremediation of soil with Dr. Lesley Putman of Northern Michigan University
by Dave Crabill
/ July 24, 2023
Northern Michigan University researchers are pioneering the use of industrial hemp to clean up PFAS “forever chemicals” contaminating soil and water across Michigan. With the first outdoor plantings now underway, […] …
We learned from hemp building expert Cody Ley and professor Glenn Wilcox about alternative building materials like hemp-lime and fungi. …
UM Professor Glenn Wilcox on Building with Hemp & Fungi
by Dave Crabill
/ March 30, 2023
University of Michigan architecture professor Glenn Wilcox is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design by growing furniture from mycelium and hemp. In this episode, he reveals how a 14-month sailing […] …
State of Hemp with Chase Hubbard, The Jacobsen
by Dave Crabill
/ March 16, 2023
Chase Hubbard of The Jacobsen (now Fast Markets) returns to iHemp Hour with a surprising perspective: despite frustrations, hemp is developing faster than almost any commodity crop in history. This […] …
Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Hemp
by Dave Crabill
/ February 21, 2023
Susan Barnhart spent six years building America’s only wool-hemp textile company—and she’s doing it without any U.S.-processed hemp fiber. Shemp Yarn’s surprisingly soft socks and beanies prove the product works, […] …
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the first opportunities for public input on new programs focused on lower carbon construction materials made possible by a $350 million investment from […] …
2022 Hemp Variety Trials Results with James DeDecker
by Dave Crabill
/ December 1, 2022
University researchers have secured $700,000 in federal funding for a three-year hemp grain and fiber study—and they’re actively seeking experienced Michigan growers to participate as research cooperators. With stipends available, […] …
Colorado’s Global Fiber Processing proves regional hemp decorticating can work—if you’re willing to rebuild farmer trust one handshake at a time. Founder Melissa Peterson shares the real numbers: $2.5M startup […] …
Essen Atlas is inviting you to an informal field day to discuss the hemp fiber and seed industry as well as provide the community with insight into what we hope […] …