Summary
Two fibre plants are under cultivation in the European Union – flax on approximately 125,000 ha and hemp on approximately 15,500 ha in the year 2004. Seeds, hurds and especially fibres of hemp are used for further processing. The most important markets for hemp fibres produced in the EU are pulp and paper and the automotive industry. Just under 5% of the EU hemp fibres were used in the construction sector. Approximately 95% the whole production of 40,000 t of the hemp hurds are used as animal bedding and 95% of the estimated 6000 t per year hemp seeds are sold for animal feed, mainly as bird feed.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
AFT Siegeszug der Naturfaser im Kunststoffbereich (10/2003): www.nachwachsende-rohstoffe.info.
Karus M., 2003. European hemp industry 2002: Cultivation, processing and product lines: www.eiha.org.
Karus M., S. Ortmann & D. Vogt, 2004. Use of natural fibres in composites in the German automotive production 1996 till 2003. Hürth.
MIH-Sonderveranstaltung zur “Altautoverordnung” auf der BH2000 (09/2000): www.nachwachsende-rohstoffe.info.