Author: Maria Elena Saija - Lombardy Green Chemistry Association

Last week the HempClub partners met in Stuttgart, Germany to participate in a cross-cluster learning visit.

The AFBW – Alliance Fibre-Based Materials, one of the best-performing networks in Europe and an important source of inspiration in the market for fibre-based materials, hosted us during the morning and - after a presentation of the cluster - showed us its network projects, such as the NaturalFIBER BW project that wants to support regional biodiversity and to expand regional value chains and structures in the field of natural fibers. Later, partners had the opportunity to meet the RegioClusterAgentur Baden-Würtenberg - which aims to enable the regions to respond to transformation challenges in a needs-based manner and to drive cluster development in the state's strategic growth fields. During this meeting, the presentation of the Clusterportal in general and a report on site marketing in BW and what it can do for SMEs took place. This was followed by questions and exchange of ideas on cluster management.

In the afternoon the Arena 2036 hosted the project partners for a presentation and a tour of the Research Campus. During this time, we had the pleasure of listening to the Mercedes-Benz sustainability strategy, exchanging on the topic of renewable raw materials. Moreover, we followed the presentation of various alpine hemp projects, and we exchanged ideas with the Institute of Aircraft Design of the University of Stuttgart IFB about the opportunities for natural fibre reinforced plastics and natural fibre textiles in aircraft construction and Industry.

This event allowed us to organise a learning visit to flagship entities that match the cluster challenges. Its objective was to foster cross-value chain experiences and promote cross-sectoral collaboration.

Thanks to everyone who hosted us and to everyone who shared their projects and ideas with us. Thanks also to all the HempClub partners who, as always, work together to achieve excellent results.

To find out more about the HempClub project and its objectives visit its website or social pages.

HempClub website: https://hempclubproject.com/ 

HempClub LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/83302386

HempClub Twitter: https://twitter.com/HempClubEU

HempClub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H3mpClub