Last summer, HEJMAS Agrifibre Technologies made a significant leap toward establishing its operations in Sweden and Värmland by initiating a collaboration with the Farmers Association (LRF Värmland) and four farmers from the region. Together, they cultivated four hectares of industrial hemp, a crop that forms the foundation of the company’s innovative method for producing pulp. Now, a year later, the company reports a highly successful first harvest — with 15 hectares of new crops already on the way.
– Our first harvest went extremely well, and we couldn’t be more pleased with both the results and our collaboration with LRF Värmland and the farmers. Industrial hemp is an excellent alternative raw material for producing pulp, and this harvest proves that we can grow it successfully here in Värmland, says Marek Hejduk, CEO of HEJMAS.
Hugo and Per Henningson, a father in son team of farmers, working with HEJMAS, have been very positive on the project.
– It has been exciting to cultivate something new beyond traditional grains. Working with HEJMAS has been seamless, with excellent communication throughout, says Hugo Henningsson.
– I share Hugo’s view — this collaboration has been highly positive. As this is something new, we are learning a great deal along the way, says Per Henningsson.
HEJMAS’s method for producing pulp utilizes fibers from industrial hemp, significantly reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and chemical consumption. significantly reducing carbon emissions, water and energy use, as well as chemical consumption. The end product is a high-quality pulp, the raw material used in the manufacture of medical and consumer goods, such as wound care, surgical masks, menstrual products, diapers and hundreds of other everyday items.
– Our technology for producing pulp is not only sustainable and economical but also creates a final product that meets high standards of quality and functionality. We are seeing significant interest from potential customers across several industries, says David Troyer, CMO of HEJMAS.
The successful first harvest is an important step in HEJMAS continued expansion, which includes scaling up the plantations over time. The company has an identified mill site in Värmland and intends to process the raw material locally, which, in addition to its collaboration with farmers, will create both direct and indirect jobs in the region.
– We always saw Värmland as an ideal region for scaling up our operations, with the right service and supply companies, equipment manufacturers and expertise. The combination of skilled farmers, strong local engagement, and our innovative technology creates the conditions for something truly impactful. We have multiple varieties of hemp in the ground this year, testing which will be best for both food and fibre production, says Marek Hejduk.
