Idaho Industrial Hemp Processor Sees Opportunities for Its Products in Construction Materials

The Whitefield Fiber Processing (WFP), a subsidiary of Whitefield Global Holdings LLC (WGH), industrial hemp plant located in Rexburg, Idaho, officially opened its doors in early July and has begun its journey towards becoming a key player in the state’s industrial hemp processing industry, according to the Idaho Business Review (9-20-23).

The plant primarily processes hemp into two distinct materials: fiber and hurd. Fiber finds applications in non-woven products such as car panel liners and insulation materials, while hurd can be used in injection molding plastics, construction products such as hempcrete, composite lumber, and plywood.

WGH CEO and Co-founder John Read told the Idaho Business Review that, although the facility is still fine-tuning its operations and equipment, it represents a substantial step forward for the region. WFP’s partnership with businesses like Hempitecture Inc. in Jerome, Idaho—which utilizes processed hemp materials in construction products—ensures a seamless supply chain that benefits both parties.

“So far, the economic development groups and everybody we’ve met in Idaho has been extremely welcoming and great to work with. It seems like everybody’s hungry to have new industries and new opportunities come to the state,” Read added.