North America’s hemp fiber processing sector remains overwhelmingly optimistic despite facing significant market hurdles, according to a new report jointly released today by Canna Markets Group and HempToday.
The North American Hemp Fiber Processing Report offers one of the most detailed looks yet at the sector’s evolving landscape. Based on surveys, interviews and operational verification across the United States and Canada, the report presents a clear-eyed view of the industry’s current realities—and its path forward.
The first-ever report is being published under the sponsorship of EVOLVE 2033, a strategic initiative led by the Federation of International Hemp Organizations (FIHO). As part of this effort, companies and organizations are invited to sign a formal pledge in support of a comprehensive Market Integration Strategy—a collaborative framework aimed at accelerating the integration of industrial hemp into sustainable agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and global supply chains.
While the report is designed to reflect back at the hemp sector itself, its primary aim is outward-facing: to reach the leaders of industries where hemp shows tremendous potential. It provides a critical look-in for executives in construction, textiles, composites and other sectors where hemp offers climate-aligned, high-performance alternatives to conventional materials.
“Hemp offers sustainable solutions across a number of major industrial sectors. We need to communicate that to the leaders in those industries, and let them know we’re here with our experience and expertise,” said Joseph Carringer, CEO of Canna Markets Group.
Infrastructure gaps
Infrastructure and supply chain development remain critical gaps, and operators must focus on building markets first before scaling production. Although broad reshoring of textile manufacturing appears unlikely, hemp is finding opportunities in specialized, sustainability-driven sectors.
Florida-based Boardwurks Biocomposites is a case in point, Carringer said—an example of the destination industries the report is designed for. The materials innovator needs quality hurd for Hempboard, carbon-smart engineered panels it manufactures that offer a sustainable alternative to particleboard and fiberboard. The company has worked hemp into a broader lineup of natural and recycled marine and building materials made from waste fiberglass laminate used in boat manufacturing and decommissioned wind blades.
“Hemp gives us a low-carbon, U.S.-grown alternative that fits within our existing processes and sustainability goals,” said Miles Gathright, co-founder of Boardwurks. “But we need consistent quality, standardized specs, and a value chain we can count on. This report helps move that conversation forward.”
Read more at Hemp Today