A serious supply chain,
built from the ground up.
The Opportunity
Industrial hemp fiber is one of the most versatile and in-demand materials in modern manufacturing. It's used in construction, textiles, automotive composites, packaging, and paper. Demand across the UK and Europe is growing rapidly — driven by sustainability targets, legislation, and genuine material performance.
The problem is simple. UK supply is fragmented and insufficient. Most processors are importing raw fiber from Europe or further afield, paying the logistics premium and losing traceability in the process.
This project exists to change that. A large-scale, licensed, UK-grown hemp operation — with processing and direct routes to end buyers built into the supply chain from the start. No middlemen. No mystery origins. Just credible, traceable British fiber.
The licence — plain English
Industrial hemp is grown under a Home Office licence issued by the Drugs and Firearms Licensing Unit — the same body that handles medicines and research chemicals. It is a straightforward crop licence, not cannabis complexity. The licence covers cultivation of approved low-THC varieties for stalk and fibre only. Flowers and leaves remain controlled and are not part of this operation. Under reforms that took effect from the 2025 growing season, a single whole-farm licence covers all fields — no field-by-field registration. Licences now run for up to six years. The THC threshold has been raised from 0.2% to 0.3%, aligning the UK with the EU and US and opening access to a wider range of viable seed varieties. Application requires a standard form, an enhanced DBS check, and a defined commercial end use. First-time licence fee: £580. Processing time is typically 2–4 months.
The Supply Chain
Licensed arable land. Certified seed varieties. Agronomic support throughout the growing season.
Harvested at peak fiber maturity. Field retted to separate fiber from the woody core naturally.
Industrial decorticator separates long fiber, short fiber, and shiv. Each has its own buyer market.
Fiber graded to specification. Baled and stored. Quality documented for traceability.
Sold direct to manufacturers, processors and builders. Agreed offtake contracts where possible.
Why Now
November 2024 reforms overhauled the UK hemp licensing regime: whole-farm licences (no field-by-field registration), terms extended to six years, and the THC threshold raised from 0.2% to 0.3% — aligning the UK with the EU and USA, and opening access to a broader range of productive seed varieties. The barrier to growing is lower than it has ever been.
The UK Future Homes Standard and net-zero commitments are pushing architects and developers toward low embodied-carbon materials. Hempcrete is carbon-negative through sequestration — it stores more carbon than its production emits. UK manufacturers Lime Technology (Tradical Hemcrete) and Hemspan currently source most of their shiv from France. UK-grown, traceable supply is what they need and can't currently get at scale.
In 2025 BMW Group announced that natural fibre composites would go into series production M cars — the first time natural fibre has appeared in production exterior bodywork. Volvo has confirmed programmes. EU End-of-Life Vehicle regulation is accelerating the shift from glass fibre to recyclable, natural reinforcement. The automotive supply chain is building sourcing requirements now, not when demand is already fully priced in.
102 active licences and roughly 1,750 hectares under cultivation in 2025. The UK government has set a target of 80,000 hectares by 2031 — a 45× increase from today. Processing infrastructure, grower networks and offtake relationships need to exist before that growth happens. The growers, processors and buyers who establish supply chains in this window are positioning ahead of a market that government policy will be actively supporting.
Open Roles
We're looking for usable arable land — ideally 25+ acres, though we're open to what's available and what role it could play. Hemp is a low-input rotation crop: no pesticides required, minimal fertiliser, and it improves soil structure. Studies consistently show a 10–20% yield improvement in the following wheat crop after hemp. Financially, hemp is broadly comparable to oilseed rape — without OSR's flea beetle and disease exposure. We aim to have an offtake arrangement confirmed before you plant.
Express Interest →Capital is needed for licensing, certified seed, equipment and working capital through to first harvest. This is agricultural investment: real asset backing in land and equipment, defined revenue streams across three crop outputs (long fibre, short fibre, shiv), and terms declared upfront before capital is deployed. Returns are structured as a declared share of crop revenue, not a fixed rate. Comparable in structure to established agri-investment vehicles, without the fund management layer. You see exactly where capital goes, what triggers a distribution, and what the realistic range of outcomes looks like.
Express Interest →Access to decortication equipment or retting facilities in the UK. If you have processing capacity and are looking for reliable feedstock supply — this is a long-term supply agreement, not a one-off deal.
Express Interest →Manufacturers, builders, or distributors who need traceable UK-grown hemp fibre or shiv. Pre-agreed offtake contracts de-risk the operation for all parties and give you guaranteed supply at agreed pricing.
Express Interest →Agricultural haulage and storage in the UK. Large bale handling, drying and covered storage between harvest and processing. If you operate in agricultural logistics this is a recurring seasonal contract.
Express Interest →Hemp-specific growing knowledge, licensing expertise or industry connections. If you have relevant expertise and want a stake in what you help build rather than a day rate — let's talk.
Express Interest →End Markets
Hempcrete blocks, insulation panels and lime-hemp render. UK manufacturers Lime Technology (Tradical Hemcrete) and Hemspan currently source most shiv from France. UK-grown material with documented provenance is in active demand — traceability matters in a market selling carbon credentials.
Hemp yarn and fabric for fashion and workwear. Brands are increasing their scrutiny of fibre origin as supply chain transparency becomes a commercial requirement, not just a credential. Traceable, UK-grown fibre commands a premium over undocumented imports.
Hemp and flax fibre composites for door panels, interior linings and structural components. BMW Group announced in 2025 that natural fibre composites would go into series production M cars. Volvo has confirmed active programmes. EU End-of-Life Vehicle regulation is driving the shift from glass fibre to natural, recyclable reinforcement across the sector.
Hemp long fibre supplies specialist paper manufacturers — filter papers, cigarette papers and high-quality printing stock. An established market with active buyers. Shiv is used in animal bedding, packaging fill and horticultural growing media, each with its own pricing and buyer network.
Project 001 — UK Hemp
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