“Exploring the Potential of Hemp for the Creation of High-Value Textile products in Morocco” HEMP-TEX

Duration

2024-2029

Lead institutions

Hogeschool Gent

Ecole Supérieure des Industries du Textile et de l'Habillement

Academic partners

Alexandra De Raeve

Omar CHERKAOUI

Project status

Ongoing

Programme

TEAM

Total budget

299,895.20

Summary

Morocco’s textile industry, a major economic contributor, employs 200,000 people, with women comprising 60% of this workforce. This sector, significant in societal, economic, and industrial terms, exported €3.8 billion of textiles to the EU in 2022. However, it faces environmental challenges due to high water and chemical use. The HEMPTEX project seeks to address these issues by introducing hemp as a sustainable alternative, requiring less water and minimal pesticides. Hemp’s strong, durable, and anti-bacterial fibers are ideal for high-value textiles. With Synergy between HOGENT, ESITH and AMITH, HEMPTEX aims to reduce environmental impacts, spur economic growth, and create job opportunities through capacity building, R&D for valuable hemp-based products & new courses in ESITH’s curriculum to include hemp production. The project, aligned with SDGs 9 and 8, promotes sustainable practices and innovation, positioning HEMPTEX as a key player in enhancing Morocco’s textile sustainability.

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