Industrial hemp stands out as a transformative crop for the UK, offering significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. Despite its potential, the sector is held back by a lack of processing infrastructure. Here's why the UK should prioritise investment in hemp manufacturing-especially by harnessing waste heat-and how Tomson Consulting can support this green transition.

Hemp - A Climate and Biodiversity Champion

• CO₂ Sequestration

Hemp absorbs up to 20 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare during its five-month growing season-more than any other arable or forestry crop in the same period. This makes it one of the most effective carbon sinks available to UK agriculture.

• Biodiversity and Soil Health

Hemp requires no pesticides or herbicides, promoting biodiversity both above and below ground. Its deep roots improve soil structure and nutrient cycling, and it fits well as a break crop in arable rotations, benefitting subsequent cereal yields.

• Bioenergy Potential

Hemp's high biomass yield makes it ideal for bioenergy, producing clean fuels like bioethanol and biodiesel with minimal emissions. The plant's ash also has a high melting point, reducing operational issues in combustion-based energy systems.

A Versatile Cash Crop for UK Farmers

• Profitability

Hemp is resilient, grows quickly (70–120 days), and can yield up to 2 tonnes of seed per hectare, with top-quality seed fetching up to £1,500 per tonne. Its low input requirements and adaptability make it a profitable option for UK farmers.

• Multiple Revenue Streams

The whole plant is valuable. Fibre and shiv are used in textiles, construction (e.g. hempcrete), bioplastics, and animal bedding, while seed is sold for food and oil. This versatility supports a circular, low-waste economy.

• Farmer Interest

Many UK farmers are eager to expand hemp cultivation due to its environmental and financial benefits. However, growth is constrained by limited processing capacity and regulatory hurdles.

The Missing Link - UK Hemp Manufacturing Facilities

• Processing Gap

The UK currently lacks sufficient large-scale hemp processing infrastructure. Most hemp is either processed on a small scale or exported for value-added manufacturing abroad, resulting in lost economic opportunities.

• Investment Needs

Decortication (separating fibre from shiv) requires significant capital-£1–£1.6 million for equipment-posing a barrier to new entrants. Small-scale processing is not currently economical.

• Economic Impact

Expanding processing capacity would allow the UK to retain more value from its hemp crop. A single large-scale facility can create at least 30 direct jobs, with national scaling potentially supporting thousands more through supply chains and secondary industries. The sector could add hundreds of millions of pounds to local economies over the coming decade.

Sustainable Processing - Harnessing Waste Heat

• Heat Requirements

Processing hemp (for drying, decortication, and conversion to biofuels or biochemicals) requires substantial heat, often at temperatures between 60°C and 200°C.

• Waste Heat Solutions

Waste heat from industrial sites, energy-from-waste plants, or data centres can be captured and reused for hemp processing, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions. Modern heat exchangers can recover up to 50% of previously wasted heat, making the process both efficient and environmentally friendly.

• Co-location Opportunities

Siting hemp facilities near waste heat sources (such as anaerobic digestion plants or server farms) maximises resource efficiency and aligns with circular economy principles.

Tomson Consulting: Partnering for a Greener Future

Tomson Consulting is keen to collaborate with Local Authorities, waste heat producers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the development of hemp processing in the UK. Our expertise spans low-carbon project planning, carbon management, and sustainable agriculture, making us an ideal partner for innovative, circular economy projects.

Hemp represents a unique opportunity for the UK to lead in sustainable agriculture, green manufacturing, and rural economic development. With the right infrastructure and partnerships, the sector can deliver on its promise of jobs, climate action, and innovation.

If you are interested in exploring opportunities to develop hemp manufacturing facilities, especially those utilising waste heat-please contact Faye Tomson at faye@tomsonconsulting.co.uk.