The Competent and Connected Clusters Unfold the Hemp Industry Potential for the European Bioeconomy (HempCluB) project is an EU COSME project coordinated by the Lombardy Green Chemistry Association bringing together 7 clusters and associations from Italy, Czech Republic, Romania, Austria and Portugal. 

The HempClub project aims to unlock the potential of hemp by establishing EU value chains for biobased applications and creating new business opportunities for primary producers and chemical companies. As part of the project's activities, a position paper focusing on the development of bioeconomy value chains, particularly those related to hemp, has been produced.

The European bioeconomy, valued at EUR 1,740 billion in 2022, confronts uncertainties in policy and industrial support, hindering progress. Meanwhile, the global significance of the bioeconomy, led by China and the USA in bio-based production, underscores the need for dedicated codes, compensation mechanisms, and political will for successful implementation. While progress is evident in aligning with EU Bioeconomy Strategy objectives, environmental challenges persist. Reduced consumption and increased innovation in biomass recovery and reuse are crucial. The strategy prioritizes sustainable food and resource management, reduced reliance on non-renewables, climate change mitigation, and competitiveness and job creation.

Hemp, or Cannabis sativa, distinguishes itself with negligible THC levels, making it a versatile plant for textiles, ropes, building materials, and bioplastics, thus, to be an important player in the bioeconomy revolution. Its ecological benefits, including phytoremediation, contribute to sustainability in various sectors, aligning with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting the European Green Deal. Despite hemp's potential, challenges such as stigma, regulatory complexity, and the absence of global standards hinder its growth. Addressing these issues requires policy reform, standardization, education, and collaboration across sectors.

The exploration of promising value chains for industrial hemp focuses on establishing sustainable and collaborative supply chains. Building trust among key stakeholders is identified as crucial for successful collaboration. The Deliverable 2.9 of the project outlines a strategic process for building localized value chains, involving farmers, refining factories, local markets, and scaling up to industrial levels. Governmental support, particularly through legislation encouraging collaboration, is deemed essential. Identified key value chains for hemp across sectors, such as textiles, construction, automotive, nutraceuticals, bio-composites are detailed. Examples of innovative hemp-based products within these sectors are highlighted, alongside opportunities for overcoming regulatory hurdles, addressing THC limits, and strengthening networking and collaboration.

The policy paper addresses key challenges and opportunities in the hemp industry, emphasizing the necessity of integrating bioeconomy principles into a circular framework. The current regulatory landscape, marked by challenges in EFSA's Novel Food applications and stringent THC limits proposed by the European Commission, hinders industry growth and innovation. The paper suggests a multi-faceted approach involving scientific research, policy advocacy, public education, innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices.

The recommendations include:

• investing in scientific research,
• advocating for balanced regulations,
• educating the public and policymakers,
• encouraging innovation within regulatory constraints,
• building platforms for knowledge exchange,
• providing consultancy for sustainable practices,
• lobbying for reasonable THC limits,
• emphasizing circular bioeconomy integration,
• promoting political will for a sustainable transition,
• exploring EU funding and support programs.

The document stresses the importance of strong political will to enact legislation recognizing the dynamic nature of innovation and the benefits of transitioning from a fossil-based economy to a sustainable, resource-efficient model. Implementing these recommendations is crucial for overcoming challenges and unlocking the hemp industry's full potential in a sustainable and innovative manner.