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Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.
The Carrfields majority-owned company installed a European hemp decorticator machine, which separates the valuable bast fibres from the woody hurd, at a former wool carpet factory in Burnside, Christchurch, just six years ago. The company says demand for its services has now surpassed its capacity.
By relocating the decortication line to a purpose-built facility in Ashburton, Rubisco will be closer to its primary hemp fibre supply base, streamlining the supply chain and reducing transportation emissions.
The Burnside facility remains the company's centre for product development, advanced textiles, functional fibres, biocomposites, and non-wovens.
Rubisco CEO Guy Wills said the decision to move operations to Ashburton was both practical and forward-thinking.
"With the strength of our local supplier network and rising demand for hemp products, the new facility will position Rubisco to scale up production and continue to innovate."
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