Washington, DC, USA
April 25, 2025
2025 NIHC Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit will explore innovation, supply chain development, and market opportunities for hemp fiber.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 25, 2025 – As the global demand for sustainable materials accelerates, the 2025 NIHC Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit will bring together industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore the future of hemp fiber. Hosted by NC State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and presented by the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC), with support from The NSF Textile Engine the summit will take place July 15–17, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Attendees will gain firsthand insights into the latest developments in fiber genetics, cultivation, mechanical processing and advanced manufacturing. From in-depth discussions to field demonstrations, the Summit will highlight how industrial hemp is transforming supply chains in textiles, construction, automotive components, and beyond.
“This summit is designed to deliver actionable knowledge and foster collaboration across the entire hemp fiber value chain—from seed to finished product,” said Patrick Atagi, NIHC President & CEO. “Attendees will leave with new tools, connections and strategies to move their businesses and the industry forward.”
“We’re genuinely excited to champion the research and development of hemp textiles right here in the United States,” said Dr. Andre West, Professor and Director of Zeis Textiles Extension at NC State University. “Investing in hemp is a win-win for our economy and our environment—it’s a sustainable crop that empowers American farmers, reduces our reliance on imports, and paves the way for a cleaner, more resilient textile industry.”
Anne Wiper, CEO of The Textile Engine said, “At the Textile Engine, we know that scaling opportunities like textile hemp fiber takes teamwork and bold brand leadership. We’re excited to support and sponsor the Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit. We are working to connect the supply chain from farm to fiber to finished products. With new investment in processing equipment and fiber processing chemistry, there is great potential for textile hemp. The future is in our hands—and together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable textile industry.”
Attendees will:
- Hear from top U.S. and international experts about cutting-edge research, emerging technologies and proven practices in fiber hemp;
- Engage in strategic discussions that address critical challenges, including business development, financial challenges and market-building opportunities;
- Tour local field trials, equipment and processing facilities to see innovations in action; and
- Network with producers, equipment manufacturers, researchers and brands leading hemp’s next chapter.
Registration is now open at https://globalhempfiber.textiles.ncsu.edu where you can see the preliminary agenda and speakers. Speaker announcements and a detailed agenda will be updated in the coming weeks.
Summit Sponsors Include:
- National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC) – Presenting Sponsor
- Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University – Host Sponsor
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Funding Partner
- The NSF Textile Engine – Supporting Sponsor
- Bear Fiber
- BioPhil Natural Fibers
For more information or questions, contact the organizing team at GlobalHempFiber@ncsu.edu
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