Ecofibre Limited (ASX:EOF) has announced the successful completion of its multi-year research partnership with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU).
Ecofibre’s work with TJU officially commenced in July 2017 and was scheduled to complete in July 2022. Due to early research success and opportunities for commercialisation, the research programme was accelerated and has now been completed 15 months ahead of schedule.
Ecofibre CEO Eric Wang said that a number of key technologies and patents have been developed over the life of the program, including:
- hemp based char or oils and polymers formed as fibres or films having enhanced properties
- high temperature bio-char carbonisation, micron grinding and classification for inclusion into masterbatch polymerisation
- sustainable bio-char-based ink having conductive properties
- methods for production of hemp-based composites
Our vision is to lead the global shift to genuinely sustainable manufacturing inputs via our hemp-based technologies,” Mr Wang said.
“The combination of the IP developed with TJU, our specialised manufacturing capability in North Carolina and the team’s technical know-how gives us the ability to incorporate the sustainable properties of hemp into a wide range of high-performance yarns, fabrics and materials that match existing supply chains
“Four years ago, we set the vision for Hemp Black that would help transform the way global manufacturers deliver better products in a more sustainable manner. Today we find a world that is highly attuned to the need for sustainable inputs and the 2018 US Farm Bill removed the barriers for industrial uses of hemp to be commercially produced and sold.
Stephen Klasko, President of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health, said the strategic partnership with Ecofibre is a great example of how an entrepreneurial academic medical centre can work with innovative companies to create products and solutions to improve lives.
“This brilliantly successful collaboration is how we will design the future of connected healthcare at any address,” Mr Kalsko said.
Ecofibre subsidiary Hemp Black continues to focus on a number of initiatives to develop and grow its business, including:
A range of seamless activewear launching at the Active Collective and Outdoor Retailer tradeshows in July and August respectively.
“This is the next iteration of brand building and capability development. Over the past several months we have built one of the most significant seamless manufacturing capabilities in the US. This vertically integrated business line goes from design through to finished goods and also supports other industry verticals such as medical and automotive.” said Mr Wang.
“We are very pleased with the quality and sustainability of this capability and are confident that the combination of these attributes will resonate with buyers and our target customers alike. The vertical supply chain is underpinned by inhouse capability to manufacture entire seamless garments.
“This will mean improved fit and function for our customers, and also means we will no longer need to outsource garment manufacture to third-party ‘cut and sew’ manufacturers, which will reduce manufacturing costs, shorten supply chains and improve our ability to rapidly tailor and evolve the range to suit wholesale and retail customer preferences”.
