HEMP
NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2025
All Hemp Congress 2026: pre-registration now open
On January 12 and 13, 2026, the hemp sector will gather at the Académie du Climat in Paris for the third edition of All Hemp, the national industrial hemp congress with the theme "How to leverage environmental benefits for producers". This event will bring together all sector stakeholders around conferences, workshops and an exhibition space, to share sector innovations, strengthen collaborations and showcase the full potential of hemp in its various application areas. Pre-registration is now open on the official website. In the coming weeks, the complete program, practical information about the venue and details about the exhibition of two or three-dimensional works incorporating hemp will be unveiled.
A new feature for this edition: participants will have the opportunity to join the "Who's who" during registration to schedule meetings with other participants during and after the congress. An opportunity to create new synergies and strengthen the hemp network nationally. Book your dates now and get ready to join the dynamic hemp sector in Paris next January!
Register for the All Hemp Congress Who's WhoSector Personality
Jean-Raymond Vanier, architect of Gatichanvre's revival
A farmer in Varize (Eure-et-Loir) on 220 ha of field crops and aromatic and medicinal plants, and president of the Plantes et Fruits group (which includes Les Huileries de Beauce), Jean-Raymond Vanier had tested different hemp varieties on a few hectares with the objective of producing oil before acquiring Gatichanvre in 2021. "Since then, more than 3 M€ have been invested (new decorticating and defibering line, sorting and packaging of hurd, two harvesting machines...), eleven employees have been recruited and areas have increased from 340 ha in 2022 to 1,200 ha in 2024, harvested for both straw and hempseed (around 800 t). The fibers are destined for the insulation market (hemp canvas, insulating materials...) and paper industry, the hurd for horticultural mulch, animal bedding and some for lime producers for hemp concrete. 90% of hempseed is exported for human consumption (oil, flour, dehulled seeds) and oil is made with the remaining 10% by Les Huileries de Beauce, part of which is sold to Aroma Zone as ingredients for cosmetics. The Plantes & Fruits group's experience in aromatic and medicinal plants facilitates our access to cosmetics and food supplement markets, sectors with higher added value than traditional hempseed markets. For the future, our goal is to increase the defibering tool's capacity from 3,000 t of straw processed per year in 2025 to 6000-8000 t/year within three years. At the same time, hemp areas will be increased to 2000-2500 ha."
Markets
In brief
Plant fibers: market overview
FRD-Codem has just published the memento titled "Overview of technical plant fiber markets in materials (excluding wood) in France" which provides a unique overview of resources available in France, their uses, and booming industrial markets in the textile, construction, transportation, and leisure sectors. InterChanvre participated in the funding and writing of this report accessible on the FRD-Codem website.
Access the mementoConstruction
REP-PMBC: new tax proposal repealed
The proposal for a sharp increase in the REP-PMBC tax (Extended Producer Responsibility for Construction Products and Materials in the building sector) which was to be effective January 1st, 2026 and completely disadvantaged the use of bio-sourced materials in construction (see NL24), has been abandoned following action by the wood sector and then the hemp sector with parliamentarians. This eco-contribution added to the sales price of products and materials, collected by market operators and paid to state-approved eco-organizations, has the mission of organizing the free recovery of sorted waste and its recovery. It would have been €14.48 excl. VAT/t for hemp or straw compared to only €3.12 excl. VAT/t for concrete, while hemp-based products do not require a recycling chain since they are either compostable or reintegrable into other products. This repeal brings tax conditions back to what they were since the June 17, 2023 notice, namely 1% tax for hemp-based products.
Professional Rules celebrate their first anniversary
In July 2024, the third version of the Professional Rules for hemp construction, developed by the Construire en Chanvre association, was officially validated, marking a decisive step for hemp by positioning it as an essential bio-sourced material in low-carbon construction. This new version extended the use of hemp concrete to buildings up to 28 meters high, including establishments open to the public (ERP) and made training mandatory for hemp concrete construction professionals, thus ensuring the quality and safety of structures.
"We have observed a significant increase in project prescriptions from both architects and project owners: three to four over the past year compared to one to two previously, notes Christelle Atie at Bouygues Bâtiment France. These rules also allowed us to meet the new thresholds of certain environmental labels, particularly the Bio-sourced Building label. This trend should continue because these new professional rules have clearly opened up possibilities for hemp concrete construction. Until now, prescriptions came from stakeholders already aware of and convinced by hemp concrete. It's up to us to convince new stakeholders with InterChanvre, Construire en Chanvre and hemp construction industrialists."
City of Paris joins Construire en Chanvre
On July 4, the Paris Council voted for the City's membership in the Construire en Chanvre association, a clear gesture in favor of developing the hemp sector in the capital: 5,000 t of hemp produced per year, a volume expected to grow strongly. This decision fully aligns with the City of Paris' policy which favors systematic use of bio-sourced materials in its construction and rehabilitation projects. Thus, since 2020 all Parisian housing and public building projects use exclusively bio-sourced insulation, with a large share of hemp-based insulation. This partnership with Construire en Chanvre also paves the way for enhanced development of social housing in hemp concrete, combining ecological performance and quality of life. Construire en Chanvre thanks the City of Paris and particularly Jacques Baudrier, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of housing and ecological transition of buildings, for his involvement alongside Construire en Chanvre.
Plastics
Ssuchy project shifts into high gear
The Ssuchy Next project, launched in September 2024 for four years following the Ssuchy project (see Newsletter N°18), builds on its results. It is funded by CBE JU, a public-private consortium involving the European Commission and European industrialists (photo above) for €6.7M. The objective of Ssuchy Next is to develop the use of innovative materials composed of hemp fibers and bio-sourced resin for high-volume markets to have environmental and economic impact. The first project mainly addressed niche markets. Target applications are wind turbine blades (energy sector), facade panels and structural elements (construction sector). For this sector, a hybrid wood and plant fiber composite material will be tested by a French company. The maturity level of these applications will be higher than for Ssuchy to approach commercialization: TRL 6-7 (instead of TRL 4-5 for Ssuchy) knowing that a commercialized product is at TRL9 (TRL = Technology Readiness Level). Finally, beyond the LCA (life cycle analysis) of products made, priority is also given to managing their end of life with the objective of giving them a second life. Thus, wind turbine blades will be crushed to be reused in facade panel production. Objective: maximize CO2 storage time and reduce overall environmental impact.
In brief
National Hemp Construction Prize: applications now open
Organized by Construire en Chanvre, this prize rewards exemplary projects incorporating hemp as a construction material (new or rehabilitation) in five categories: tertiary buildings, social housing, collective housing, Public Buildings (ERP) and individual homes. Prizes will be awarded at the Wood Construction Forum (February 25-27, 2026) at the Grand Palais in Paris. Registration (until 11/15/25) and information on the dedicated website.
Apply for the National PrizeTextiles
Cottonized hemp sector LCA soon available
InterChanvre is finalizing the integration of the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of cottonized hemp into Ecoinvent, an international organization referencing detailed data on the environmental impact of many products and activities in multiple sectors including textiles. It is particularly a reference database for fashion professionals. This LCA of the cottonized hemp sector is a first and will be, for now, the only reference present in Ecoinvent! It is the result of significant investment by InterChanvre and two years of work from data from all stakeholders in this sector. Until now, only two brands (Marmara and La Chanvrière) had completed an LCA of their cottonized hemp.
This sector LCA will demonstrate, particularly to fashion professionals, the low carbon impact of cottonized hemp compared to other textile raw materials, but also all stages from field to cottonization: retted straw, defibered fiber, hurd, tow (very short and low-quality fiber from the transformation process), opening dust (dust from the transformation process). This is an important asset for developing the hemp textile sector!
In brief
Hemp interests design students
For several months, about twenty students from the ENSCI design school in Paris worked with hemp fiber to understand it for future uses. Starting from raw fiber, students proposed very varied uses: acoustic squares, biodegradable slippers, jump rope, waterproof composite clothing... This work led to an exhibition within ENSCI. Part of the creations will be exhibited at the All Hemp Congress in January 2026.
Cosmetics
In brief
Cosmetic products made from hemp oil represent a high added-value market with significant potential. On July 8, Sandrine Lecointe and Emmanuelle Dumas, two experts and influencers in responsible cosmetics, shared a live stream with their community of their visit to the Gatichanvre hemp farm and Beauce oil mill which processes hemp seed into oil. Find their live replay and their presentation on social networks.
Design
Hemp elevated by design at Grand Palais
From May 21 to 25, during the 7th edition of Révélations (550 creators, 45,000 visitors) at the Grand Palais in Paris, French designer Nicolas Pinon, in collaboration with Dimitry Hlinka, showcased hemp fiber and dust. Supplied by La Chanvrière, the material combines with urushi vegetable lacquer, a natural Japanese resin, to create works blending innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability. Nicolas Pinon's approach is part of a search for durable objects, at the crossroads of contemporary design and traditional know-how. Passionate about bio-sourced materials, he regularly collaborates with artisans and researchers to experiment with new applications. Designer and lacquer artist, Dimitry Hlinka specializes in the ancient art of urushi, a Japanese vegetable resin. He revisits this thousand-year-old technique by associating it with innovative and responsible materials. Among these works: seating shells made of hemp fiber and dust, lacquered and combined with honeycomb cardboard. This illustrates the versatility and eco-responsible potential of hemp in contemporary design. Its fiber, strong, light, insulating and biodegradable, increasingly attracts creators seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. In modern art, it inspires both sculptural furniture and decorative coverings, confirming its place in a new generation of responsible creations.
Learn more about the projectIn the field
Organic hemp: meeting between sector stakeholders in the field
On June 19, InterChanvre participated in the 11th Organic Flax and Hemp Meetings organized in Montcavrel (Pas-de-Calais). Farmers, scutchers, hemp growers, spinners, weavers, textile brands, researchers and project leaders discussed technical advances, structuring challenges and ongoing dynamics around natural flax and hemp fibers. The event highlighted collective progress at each stage of the value chain, particularly the European Hemp4Circularity project, a strategic initiative to strengthen the path of hemp produced for long fibers, from cultivation to fabric manufacturing through recycling. This type of project reflects a strong ambition to structure the long fiber sector and innovate. As recalled by Olivier Guillaume, former president of Safilin (flax and hemp spinner) and now at Libeco (household linen), hemp remains "a fiber of character that must be tamed." This day confirmed the vitality and cohesion of stakeholders committed to hemp development in France.
In brief
Hemp sector presentation to CESER Île-de-France
On June 3, in the presence of Construire en Chanvre, InterChanvre presented the hemp sector to the "Agriculture, rurality and natural spaces" commission of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (Ceser) of Île-de-France, chaired by Hervé Billet, farmer. Hemp's assets for carbon neutrality, soil health and development of local markets were presented. The commission will publish its recommendations to the Region in November or December, particularly regarding hemp.
Economy
In brief
Volumes and prices rising
According to the Market Observatory initiated by the Union of Hemp Processors in 2022 (UTC), between 2022 and 2024 fiber volumes from French hemp processing facilities increased by 15.5% and their sales price by 30%. These figures illustrate the very positive dynamics of the sector with markets that enable its development and an economic balance improving for producers' benefit.
CVE replaces CVO
Since 2003, InterChanvre has been funded by the Extended Voluntary Contribution (CVE), formerly CVO (Mandatory Voluntary Contribution). The fact sheet explaining what the CVE is used for has been updated, notably including the development of the hemp Environmental Services Payment (PSE). Despite a 33% decrease in CVE over seven years (€22/ha since 2024 compared to €34/ha in 2017), InterChanvre's budget remains stable thanks to increased production areas.
View the CVE fact sheetHemp processing facilities investing
€128M have been invested by hemp processing facilities over the past five years to triple production capacities. €70M in investment is currently underway for secondary processing and €6M in R&D, mainly for hemp construction. For details by processing facility, click on the map above.
Regulations
CAP: eligibility of Anka and Vega hemp seeds for 2025
The Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG Agri) of the European Commission confirmed the eligibility of Canadian varieties Anka and Vega for direct aid from the first pillar of the CAP as well as coupled aid. This decision, which comes in a context of European hemp seed shortage in 2024, required six months of negotiation by InterChanvre. In France, in 2025 approximately 1,400 ha were planted with these varieties. This situation, recognized as "force majeure," allows farmers who used these varieties to maintain their eligibility for aid. To obtain them, some steps were necessary: filing a force majeure recognition request with the DDT, transmitting a shortage certificate issued by the seed supplier and updating the Telepac declaration before September 20 specifying the cultivated variety.
CMO and future CAP: hemp concerned
Last July, several legislative initiatives (CMO, CAP...) directly concerning hemp were presented by the European Commission. New rules concerning production, marketing and imports of all hemp parts are being considered as part of a targeted revision of the regulation on the Common Organization of Markets (CMO). Furthermore, the regulation proposal concerning the post-2027 CAP notably recalls that "production of hemp varieties with a THC level above 0.3% cannot be eligible for support under this regulation," confirming the current maximum authorized THC rate. Moreover, the coupled aid mechanism benefiting hemp in France is maintained in the future CAP regulation proposal. If ratified, each member state can then choose whether to apply it in its national strategic plan. On all these subjects, FNPC and InterChanvre remain mobilized to preserve access to coupled aid for French industrial hemp and ensure specific support for producers to reward the crop's agro-environmental benefits. Discussions between the European Commission, Council and European Parliament should continue through late 2025 and 2026.
Beyond borders
In brief
According to data from an official Estonian site, hemp areas more than doubled between 2024 and 2025, increasing from 4,066 ha to 9,201 ha. In terms of markets, Estonia mainly capitalizes on hemp seed recovery. Hemp cultivation therefore continues to develop in Europe. France remains the European leader with 46% of areas in 2024 and growth prospects supported by significant industrial investments.
Calendar
Upcoming
● October 8-9: Produrable Trade Show - InterChanvre will be present at booth 2/77.
Past events
● September 16-17: 7th Natural Fibers and Polymers Symposium in Troyes - InterChanvre was a partner of this symposium organized by FRD-CODEM and APM at the Aube Congress Center in Troyes and had a booth. This event featured conferences, presentation of European projects, feedback, meetings and innovations in natural fibers applied to plastics and composites.
● September 10: 2nd edition of the bio-sourced materials trade show - AICB (Association of Bio-sourced Construction Industrialists) organized its second virtual bio-sourced materials trade show for construction and renovation professionals. The objective was to allow them to meet and exchange directly with bio-sourced material manufacturers including hemp.
● September 3-5: National Sustainable Building Congress in Lille - The hemp sector was present with a booth run by Construire en Chanvre and a presentation by Guillaume Delannoy, vice-president of Construire en Chanvre, on the state of hemp construction and new Professional Rules.
● June 12-14: EIHA Congress in Berlin - InterChanvre participated in the EIHA (European Industrial Hemp Association) congress to represent the French sector alongside other French stakeholders (La Chanvrière, Planète Chanvre, FRD CODEM).