Cost Reductions in Natural Fibre Processing : Use of an Optimised Comb Shaker for Fibre Cleaning

Abstract

There is a demand for high-grade hemp and flax fibres as a raw mate- rial, not only in the automobile industry. Experience in cultivation and harvesting as well as modern processing facilities are needed for Euro- pean farmers to supply the raw fibre materials. A pilot installation has been developed at the Institute of Agricultural Engineering Bornim with which both retted and unretted hemp, flax and linseed straw can be processed. Cost-effectiveness calculations and processing trials have shown that efficient fibre processing and in particular efficient fi- bre cleaning are necessary in order to achieve an attractive straw price for the farmer.