Renaissance Fiber secures investment to scale US hemp refining
Renaissance Fiber (RF), the USA’s first manufacturer of hemp fiber for textiles, announced an investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures (EQIV). This initial funding will support the development of RF’s state-of-the-art fiber refining infrastructure in Mocksville, North Carolina, marking a significant step toward integrating domestically grown hemp into the U.S. and global textile supply chains.
Innovative Processing for Sustainable Textiles
The new Mocksville facility will utilize RF’s proprietary, clean processes to refine U.S.-grown hemp fiber. This method prepares the fiber for blending with cotton and other textile fibers, creating a high-quality textile input that enhances performance. The $75,000 investment is crucial for scaling these operations and strengthening a transparent farm-to-fabric supply chain that guarantees traceability from American farms to finished apparel.
Processing hemp into a textile fiber compatible with existing cotton machinery—a process known as “cottonization“—has presented significant challenges. Conventional methods often require chemicals that are hazardous to workers and water supplies, making domestic processing unfeasible. RF’s approach combines clean degumming with precise refining to control fiber length, fineness, and surface quality. This represents a breakthrough for short-staple hemp, unlocking its potential as a versatile fiber for textiles.
Strategic Investment for Sustainable Growth
“This investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures is crucial for launching the initial phase of our infrastructure buildout in Mocksville,” said Daniel Yohannes, CEO and co-founder of Renaissance Fiber. “For the first time, we can scale our process to integrate degummed hemp as a versatile fiber into U.S. and global textile production. By building this advanced refining capacity here in North Carolina, we are not just enabling sustainable, domestic fiber production—we are creating vital new opportunities for American farmers and manufacturers to lead the global shift towards eco-friendly textiles.“
EQIV’s investment aligns with its mission to support companies that drive environmental sustainability and social impact. “This is an exciting investment for Equilibrium Impact Ventures because not only are we supporting a company that is making the planet more sustainable, but we are able to continue to prove our fund thesis that the gaps in the funding landscape can be closed with the help of foundations and philanthropic dollars,” stated Kasem Rodriguez Mohsen, General Partner at EQIV.
Implications for the Textile Industry
The development of RF’s refining facility is poised to have significant implications for the textile industry. By providing a domestically sourced, sustainable alternative to traditional fibers, RF’s hemp fiber can help reduce reliance on imported materials and decrease the environmental footprint of textile production. Additionally, the integration of hemp fiber into existing manufacturing processes can lead to the development of new, innovative textile products that meet the growing consumer demand for sustainability.
Furthermore, the success of RF’s facility could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country, encouraging investment in sustainable textile manufacturing and supporting the growth of the domestic hemp industry. As the textile industry continues to seek ways to reduce its environmental impact, innovations like RF’s hemp fiber refining process represent a promising path forward.
Looking Ahead
With the support of EQIV, Renaissance Fiber is set to begin construction of its Mocksville facility, with plans to commence operations in the near future. The company aims to expand its production capacity and explore additional applications for its refined hemp fiber, including in apparel, home textiles, and industrial products.
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