Orion Expands Natural Fiber Portfolio with Broad Range of Hemp-Reinforced Thermoplastics

Orion continues to advance sustainable material solutions with the successful commercialization of more than a dozen hemp fiber–reinforced and hemp powder–filled thermoplastic programs over the past twelve months. By utilizing multiple hemp-based reinforcements — including bast (technical) fibers, short fibers, hurd fibers, surface-treated fibers, and fine hemp powders — Orion has demonstrated the ability to compound nearly all commercially available hemp forms into a variety of polymer matrices.

These formulations span several base resins, including polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA6 and PA66), and ABS, among others. Each system is engineered to deliver the right balance of performance, processability, and sustainability for its intended market.

“Hemp materials offer a unique combination of renewable content, mechanical reinforcement, and lightweighting,” said Ryan Divens. “By working with both fiber and powder forms, we can tailor properties ranging from stiffness and impact strength to surface finish and appearance — creating truly optimized bio-composite solutions.”

Technical Versatility and Performance Benefits

  • Hemp fibers add stiffness, strength, and dimensional stability, comparable to traditional glass or mineral reinforcements — with reduced density.
  • Hemp powders act as lightweight fillers that improve surface aesthetics, reduce cost, and provide subtle natural texture or color tone.
  • Surface-treated fibers enhance adhesion within hydrophobic polymer systems, improving overall mechanical and moisture performance.

Together, these materials allow Orion to design cost-effective, high-performance, and sustainable compounds for a wide variety of processing methods, including injection molding and extrusion.

Serving Diverse End Markets

Orion’s hemp-filled and hemp-reinforced compounds are being adopted across multiple industries, including:

  • Automotive and transportation – for lightweight interior and structural applications.
  • Consumer products – such as furniture, appliances, and sporting goods.
  • Industrial and building materials – where strength, aesthetics, and sustainability intersect.

“Our success with hemp materials highlights Orion’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility,” said Ryan Divens. “We’re helping customers move toward greener solutions — without compromising performance, lead time, or cost.”

With continued investment in natural fiber and bio-filler technologies, Orion is positioned at the forefront of sustainable thermoplastic compounding, delivering materials that perform — and make a difference.