In September 2022, FRD-CODEM and UMR FARE (INRAE-URCA) signed an agreement to create an associated partnership laboratory (LPA) called 4FM (FARE and FRD-CODEM common laboratory for Futures Fibres & Materials). Thanks to this structure, the partners, who have known each other for over 15 years, aim to develop a shared research program, as well as pooling material and human resources to answer key questions on value creation in the fibre plant sectors (hemp, flax, etc.).
The first actions of LPA 4FM are focused on the quality of fibre crops, particularly hemp. Indeed, the stage between straw cutting and removal from the field is crucial in the value chain. During this period, which can range from a few days to 8-10 weeks, hemp straw undergoes several physical and biological transformations, depending on the soil and climate conditions in the field. This transformation, known as “retting”, is mainly responsible for the variability in quality of the straw, the products (fibres) and the co-products (shives). Each application using hemp (paper, insulation, nonwovens, plastics, textiles, etc.) has strict specifications that must be met, and these refer to a degree of retting.
In this context, the 4FM LPA has developed an initial decision support tool (DST) to monitor the quality of retted hemp straw and fibres. Currently in testing, this DST aims to help hemp producers manage their harvest and optimize fibre quality, and to help manufacturers secure and standardize their supply of raw materials.
This DST can be developed in different area or hemp production value chain. FRD-CODEM, in conjunction with 4FM LPA, offers an personalized service incorporating support for plot retting monitoring, links with application markets, training in the method and its transfer.
Contacts :
Claire ISIERTE CAPONE (FRD-CODEM), 4FM Associated Partenership Laboratory Project engineer – claire.isierte-capone@f-r-d.fr
Bernard KUREK (INRAE FARE), Senior scientist and 4FM Director – bernard.kurek@inrae.fr
Arnaud DAY (FRD-CODEM), Directeur Scientifique et Directeur adjoint de 4FM – arnaud.day@f-r-d.fr
