Fiber processing machine maker Cretes has opened a new technology testing facility focused on hemp and flax bast fiber. Customers can collaborate with Cretes experts to test their own materials and check out the capabilities of Cretes machines at the facility, Cretes Technology Center (CTC).
“We simulate an entire production line here,” said Stefaan Declerck, the company’s CEO.
“This allows us to demonstrate the possibilities of our machines to customers, ranging from capacity tests to quality analysis and input material comparison.”
Cretes (CREative TEchnical Solutions) is a leading expert in fiber processing machinery that focuses on innovative and sustainable solutions.
Highly flexible
The CTC can also handle fiber byproducts such as shives (hurd) and tow. The line’s working width is 1.5 meters (4 feet, 11 inches), which aligns with the typical working width of real-life installations.
The CTC’s flexibility is a major advantage. Its modular design enables Cretes to seamlessly adapt to the specific needs and requirements of each customer, the company said.
“Flax and hemp fibers have diverse applications, each with its unique demands,” according to Declerck. “Whether it’s materials for textiles, composites, construction, or the automotive industry, we showcase the perfect solution for every customer at the CTC.”
Tests already running
The CTC embodies not only technological prowess but also a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. The walls are constructed from hemp-based building blocks sourced from the Belgian company Isohemp.
The CTC has already completed several successful tests for clients from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the USA, Australia, and even China. Cretes offers a comprehensive range of services, machines, and components, from concept development to installation and after-sales support. The company operates across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
The new facility is located in Wielsbeke in the West Flanders region, about 75 kilometers west of Brussels.