By Brian Houlihan

Ben Dronkers. Founder of Hempflax

(Please consider becoming a patron to support the creation of more unique content)

Since becoming curator of the Dublin Hemp Museum I have contacted various individuals and companies working with hemp in Ireland and abroad. I am making contact for various reasons, but one reason is to obtain more materials to exhibit in the museum. As these materials arrive I will write about some of them, and the individuals and companies involved.

Recently I received a package from the Hempflax team based in the Netherlands. Hempflax are a company I’ve been interested in since first becoming aware of them. I was delighted when they promptly replied to me and sent on the items.

Package from Hempflax

Hempflax was founded by Ben Dronkers in 1993. Ben is also the brains behind Sensi Seeds and the Hemp Museum in Amsterdam. Since its inception Hempflax has grown into one of the biggest hemp companies in the world.

Hempflax first grew hemp in 1994 when they sowed 343 acres (140 hectares) in the Netherlands. The company has not only established itself in the Netherlands but they have also expanded, first to Germany and then more recently to Romania. Hemp farmers in these three countries will grow a total of 5065 acres (2050 hectares) for Hempflax this year.

Hempflax’s €5 million investment in Romania involved the opening a processing factory last October. Hempflax is also working alongside the Romanian state to support hemp farmers and the industry. Hemp has a long history in the region and Hempflax want to help revive the tradition. Before the Romanian Revolution in 1989 the country was the fourth largest exporter of hemp in the world.

3 week old hemp growing in Romania (May 2016)

When Hempflax launched in 1994 there were few machines or equipment suitable for mass hemp cultivation and processing. Since then Hempflax have undertaken research and developed equipment for harvesting and processing. As have other hemp companies and enthusiasts across the globe. This new equipment is making the cultivation and processing of hemp easier.

After the hemp has been harvested it can be used for various purposes. The fiber is used for the production of paper. After being pressed the fiber is used by the motor industry for door panels and dash boards. Hemp fiber and hemp wood are often combined and turned into construction materials. Hemp wood is used as litter for horses and in cages for small pets. The dust from hemp processing is often used for composting. A healthy oil can be made from the seeds.

Some items sent to us by Hempflax

It would be great to see an Irish company replicate the work of Hempflax. With the correct investments and planning it is possible Ireland could develop a strong hemp industry. We already know that hemp grows here successfully. There are a number of individuals and companies using hemp in Ireland but many rely on imports.

One area that needs investment is the processing facilities for hemp. Factories located around the country with the appropriate equipment could process hemp grown locally. How this would work, primarily the locations for factories, requires research and strong consideration. Perhaps a public consultation process could determine what areas are suitable based on the information received from farmers.

I’m delighted to have the opportunity to visit one of Hempflax’s processing facilities later this summer. During our recent correspondence I was granted permission to come and learn more. Perhaps I and others can use this knowledge to help create a blueprint for introducing processing facilities in Ireland.

I will keep you informed about my visit and you can expect a blog post about the trip also.

Thanks for reading and be sure to visit us at 167 Capel Street in Dublin.

Brian Houlihan is the curator of the Dublin Hemp Museum and regularly writes about hemp. Follow him on Twitter at @dubhempmuseum and @houlihanbrian. You can also find us on Facebook.

You can find an archive of my blog posts here