There is a growing cohort of hemp fiber processors in the U.S., with some healthy growth in markets for derivatives like hurd.  Bast fiber markets are still well over the horizon, particularly fiber intended for woven textiles.  Many tons of baled bast fiber are backing up in storage as growers and processors seek to develop a market for it.

An ASTM International working group has been meeting for three years to try and get ahead of product specification development for hemp fiber.  This is a challenging task, because end uses are poorly defined, and these typically drive product specifications. Committee members include hemp fiber stakeholders, material scientists, chemists, and textile professionals.

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