Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT), the makers of sero™ hemp fibre, announced that significant strategic financing with Ahlström Capital of Finland has been completed. At its US flagship factory in Lumberton, North Carolina, and its EU facility close to Düsseldorf, BFT will start work right now to increase the capacity for producing fiber (NRW).

By 2023, BFT will be able to produce more than 10,000 metric tons of sero™ hemp fiber annually, and by 2026, up to 50,000 metric tons.

Jim Posa, CEO of BFT, said that as they move away from synthetic materials, prominent consumer goods businesses, converters, and nonwoven firms are searching for viable natural fiber choices to accomplish their corporate sustainability ambitions. The market for natural fibers is predicted to expand quickly, and this highly strategic finance will assist BFT in strengthening its position and accelerating its expansion to satisfy the rising demand for fibers made without using plastic or trees.

Lasse Heinonen, President and CEO of Ahlström Capital, said that the market for natural fibers will likely experience exponential growth as the nonwoven industry moves away from plastics. They want to invest in businesses that are committed to finding solutions that advance sustainable development as a responsible investor with a strategic, long-term mentality. BFT is in a good position to take the lead globally in the manufacture of sustainable bast fibers because of its strong and knowledgeable management team. In the company, they see the potential to consistently create value.

Noel Hall, BFT's Executive Board Chair, said that Ahlström Capital has a great reputation for investing in cleantech firms that provide sustainable solutions. Working with an investor who shares their principles and their goal of phasing out synthetic materials in nonwoven applications is crucial to them. Ahlström Capital is a natural fit and value-added investor for BFT because of its diverse portfolio holdings in the nonwoven and sustainable fiber sectors. Andreas Ahlström, the investment director at Ahlström Capital, is a welcome addition to the BFT board of directors.