Rubisco Relocates Hemp Processing Facility to Ashburton
Rubisco is experiencing significant growth in its natural fibre division, driven by increasing demand for sustainable materials. The company’s hemp processing services have now surpassed the capacity of its original facility in Burnside, Christchurch, prompting a strategic relocation. The core process involved, hemp fibre decortication, entails separating the valuable bast fibres from the woody hurd, a critical step in preparing hemp for a wide range of industrial applications.
This move to Ashburton is not just logistical; it reflects Rubisco’s commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability. By relocating the decortication line to a purpose-built facility in Ashburton, Rubisco will be closer to its primary hemp fibre supply base, streamlining the supply chain, reducing transportation emissions, and enabling further value-add processing expansion at the Burnside facility.
Globally, the demand for sustainable and renewable fibres is accelerating. Hemp is recognised for its versatility and environmental benefits. The fibres and hurd extracted from the hemp plant can be engineered into a diverse array of products, including interior and apparel textiles, construction materials, and bio-composites. As industries worldwide seek to lower their carbon footprint and adopt greener practices, the applications for hemp-based materials are expanding rapidly.
The decision to move operations to Ashburton is both practical and forward-thinking. Guy Wills, CEO of Rubisco, said, “With the strength of our local supplier network and rising demand for hemp products, the new facility will position Rubisco to scale up production and continue to innovate. We anticipate that the Ashburton facility will be fully operational by early 2026, marking a new chapter in Rubisco’s mission to deliver sustainable solutions to global markets.”
About Rubisco
Rubisco, based in Christchurch, New Zealand, develops innovative natural fibre products that integrate hemp and strong wool into scalable applications. The company is committed to creating high-performance material solutions as viable alternatives to synthetics, reducing carbon impacts and supporting regenerative growth across construction, building products, acoustics, interiors, biocomposites, and apparel.
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