Advancing sustainable hemp solutions
HempFlax is a leading cultivator and processor of industrial hemp with operations in the Netherlands, Germany, and Romania. From seed to end product, the company supplies sustainable materials for industries such as automotive, construction, and textiles.
In my role, I contributed to the growth and visibility of HempFlax through impactful initiatives. Explored and built customer relations and contributed to the broader appreciation of industrial hemp in the Netherlands. In total I’ve worked six years for HempFlax and had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of fiber hemp, from growing up to applications, from inside the company as well from the countless contacts I’ve maintained abroad.
Highlights of My Contribution
- Facilitating high-profile visits: Organized the visit of Dutch Agriculture Minister Piet Adema in August 2023, showcasing the entire hemp value chain and fostering dialogue among stakeholders in the biobased materials market.
- Lobbying for sector advancement: Advocated for greater awareness of industrial hemp’s potential, influencing policy discussions at the national level and strengthening the sector’s position in agricultural eco-schemes.
- Facilitating high-level engagement: Connected CEO Mark Reinders directly with three Dutch ministers (Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure) in The Hague, enabling face-to-face discussions to advocate for HempFlax’s interests and the broader biobased sector.
- Building strategic partnerships: Secured multiple collaborations with contractors in the Netherlands, enabling local cultivation and harvest of hemp. Coordinated processing at HempFlax facilities in Oude Pekela and partnered with Kingspan to produce and distribute sustainable hemp insulation within the region.
- Farmer engagement: Led educational sessions for farmers, driving increased interest in hemp cultivation and contributing to rapid acreage expansion
- Industry recognition: Represented HempFlax with a winning pitch for the WeGrow Award, highlighting the company’s innovations in sustainable solutions. Personally nominated for the ABN Amro Sustainable 50, recognizing my contributions to the biobased sector and commitment to driving impactful change.
These efforts not only reinforced HempFlax’s leadership in sustainable solutions but also highlighted the value of hemp across industries, paving the way for innovative collaborations.
