Did you know the UK is now home to more than 1,000 hectares of industrial hemp farms? This number has tripled in less than a decade and is changing the way we view plastic production.

This also means the UK can create materials using a local, renewable crop that:

1. absorbs carbon, 
2. supports rural jobs, and 
3. fits perfectly with a circular economy vision.

These advantages are consistent with the UK’s net-zero targets, plastic taxes, and industry demand for low-carbon materials. They also create real market pull for farmers and manufacturers.

So, here I will list the top hemp bioplastic manufacturers in the UK and the types of products they are creating. This will help you understand how quickly the opportunity for hemp plastic manufacturers is growing in the UK.

Who are the top hemp plastic manufacturers in the UK?

According to recent industry data, the UK bioplastics market could reach $2.8 billion by 2030. Hemp-based materials are a small but fast-growing part of this pie.

Why is this growth happening now?

The UK government’s Plastic Packaging Tax and bans on single-use plastics are changing the economics of the entire packaging industry. 

The country also passed reforms in 2024 that makes it easier to grow hemp. 

The UK now allows hemp license holders to grow the low-input crop anywhere on a licensed farm for up to six years.

Right now, local industrial hemp plastic production is still ramping up. 

More farmers are growing hemp, and companies are working to process it into high-quality plastics and composites. Here are some top manufacturers of hemp plastic in the UK.

1. HempFlax

A heavyweight from the Netherlands but now directly present in the UK market, HempFlax specialise in industrial hemp fibres. They also convert the raw materials into injection moulding and composite building materials. Some of their products are:

• Hemp fibre
• Non-woven semi-finished products for industrial applications
• Hemp fibre pellets

The interesting part? These hemp fibres are touted as a replacement for synthetic fibre reinforcements in automotive, construction and textile sectors. 

2. Biome Bioplastics

Biome Bioplastics, which was founded in 2007, is a leading UK-based innovator. While they work with various plant-based polymers, Biome is notable for collaborating with British universities on hemp-based plastics for compostable packaging and research-led projects. 

3. UK Hempcrete

Hempcrete leads hemp plastic manufacturers in the UK in using hemp plastics for eco-friendly building materials. 

They specialise in hemp‑lime construction systems and other bio‑based building materials to replace traditional concrete. According to their website, buildings that use hempcrete lock away more CO₂ than was emitted during production. 

Hempcrete also offers design/consultancy services to support retrofit and new‑build projects.

4. Rare Earth

Rare Earth Global is another hemp plastic manufacturer in the UK that caught my eye because they are going deep into decarbonised materials made from hemp. They manufacture bioplastics, hemp boards and hempcrete.

According to their website, they have secured demand for over 1 million tonnes of low‑carbon or ‘carbon‑negative’ hemp‑based products by 2030.

Their materials can plug into existing manufacturing, reduce Scope 3 emissions, and open new business models around circular supply‑chains.

5. Hemporium UK

Hemporium is another hemp bioplastic manufacturer in the United Kingdom that brings various hemp products including hemp plastics into retail and consumer sectors in the UK. 

You can find home‑furnishings, jewellery, toys and musical instruments made from hemp‑derived plastics on their website. 

6. The Hemp Plastic Company

Originating from the USA, the Hemp Plastic Company is now active in Europe and the UK. They supply raw materials (like industrial hemp-based pellets) that manufacturers use to create packaging, auto parts, and even electronics housings.

Some of their hemp raw and custom materials include:

• HEMP PLA
• HEMP PROPYLENE 25%
• HEMP ABS 25%
• Hemp Post Industrial Recycled Polypropylene (PIRPP)
• Hemp High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Hemp Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Hemp High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
• Hemp Polypropylene (PP)

Their hemp‑based biocomposites and bioplastics can drop into existing tooling and processes and replace oil‑based plastics without a major overhaul.

It’s important to mention that the UK still imports some hemp plastic materials from EU and US companies. But the homegrown hemp bioplastic capacity is expanding.

Here is an overview of hemp‑based plastics manufacturing companies in the UK and the different sectors they serve.

The UK bioplastics market is growing at one of the fastest rates in Europe.

Recent market research shows that the UK’s bioplastics market could be worth as much as $2.8 billion by 2030.

What are the main applications for hemp plastic in the UK?

Source 

The UK’s hemp plastic applications are moving from the lab to real businesses, across a range of industries. All offer a more sustainable alternative to oil-based packaging, and can be industrially composted.

Plastic packaging, which is one of the largest polluting, industry globally, can be easily replaced with hemp plastics in:

• Compostable films and trays for food products
• Flexible pouches for retail packaging
• Disposable tableware for events and hospitality

In the automotive sector, interior panels, trim, and lightweight reinforcements are also replacing plastic products with hemp composites.

Source 

Construction and building materials are another major application. Hemp composite boards and panels are being used for insulation, wall systems, and flooring.

Companies like UK Hempcrete are showing how these products can cut carbon and improve indoor air quality. Meanwhile, at the Hemp Foundation, we are working to reverse deforestation and help farmers in India with hemp-based plastic alternatives. 

FAQs

Which companies are the leading hemp plastic manufacturers in the UK?

Unyte Hemp, Rare Earth Global, Hemporium UK, and Hempcrete are some of the leading hemp plastic manufacturers and sellers in the UK.

Is hemp plastic as strong as traditional fossil fuel-based plastic?

Hemp plastic is more sustainable for the environment and performs just like conventional plastic, if not better in real-world applications. 

Is hemp plastic compostable in the UK?

Most industrial hemp plastic products can break down in industrial composting within three months. Hemp plastic also follows the key sustainability criteria for UK regulations.

What products are made by Industrial hemp plastic companies in the UK?

UK companies produce packaging, construction boards, automotive parts, 3D printing filament, consumer goods, and compostable foodware from hemp plastic.

Why is hemp plastic gaining popularity in the UK?

Hemp plastic products are renewable, locally sourced and fits the UK’s net-zero goals. They are great alternatives to replace single use plastic cutlery or packaging in the food industry as plastic taxes increase.