Green shoots abound for sustainable fibre specialist

Rising demand for sustainable materials has seen Rubisco outgrow its hemp fibre processing site in Christchurch, to the point where it’s investing in a new purpose-built facility at Ashburton.

Guy Wills.

The decision is both practical and forward-thinking, says CEO Guy Wills.

“With the strength of our local supplier network and rising demand for hemp products, the new facility will position Rubisco to scale up production and continue to innovate.

“We anticipate that the Ashburton facility will be fully operational by early 2026, marking a new chapter in Rubisco’s mission to deliver sustainable solutions to global markets.”

Rubisco is a NZ-based leader in sustainable materials, specialising in the extraction and blending of natural fibres like hemp and wool.

With a vertically integrated supply chain and a commitment to environmental stewardship, Rubisco delivers high-performance, low-carbon solutions for textiles, construction, and specialty products.

The core process involved at the new facility – hemp fibre decortication – entails separating the valuable bast fibres from the woody hurd, a critical step in preparing hemp for a wide range of industrial applications.

Wills says the move will enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, bringing processing closer to the company’s main hemp fibre supply base, streamlining the supply chain and reducing transport emissions.

It will also enable further value-add processing expansion at the Christchurch site.

Globally, Wills says, the demand for sustainable, renewable fibres is accelerating.

Hemp is recognised for its versatility and environmental benefits.

Fibres and hurd extracted from hemp can be engineered into a diverse array of products, including interior and apparel textiles, construction materials, and bio-composites.

As industries worldwide seek to lower their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices, the applications for hemp-based materials are expanding rapidly, he says.