Géochanvre

Géochanvre, founded in 2014 by Frédéric Roure, operates as a key industrial player in the ecological transition, specializing in the production of non-woven materials from local plant fibers. Roure, an agronomist and ecological engineer with two decades of experience, established the company to provide an ethical and economic substitute for plastic and imported fiber-based geotextiles. His journey began in 2000 with Géco Ingénierie, a company focused on ecological engineering solutions, which laid the groundwork for the innovations later implemented at Géochanvre.

The company is strategically located in Lézinnes, in the Yonne region of Burgundy, operating out of a converted industrial site to champion a circular economy and short supply chains. Géochanvre's business model is centered on a patented, international technology called hydro-entanglement. This process uses high-pressure water jets to bind plant fibers, primarily hemp and flax sourced from within 200km of the factory, into durable, non-woven fabrics without any glues, binders, or chemical additives. The resulting products are 100% biodegradable and compostable.

Géochanvre serves a diverse client base across multiple sectors, including agriculture, landscaping, industry, and eco-design. Its primary product line consists of geotextile mulching mats, such as Herbi'Chanvre, which suppress weeds, reduce the need for chemical herbicides and plastic sheeting, and enrich the soil as they decompose. The company has expanded its offerings to include products with varying lifespans like DuoProtect and LongProtect, reinforced with bioplastics for enhanced durability. Beyond agriculture, Géochanvre's materials are used for filtration systems, packaging, and since 2020, have been adapted for consumer goods like tote bags and planters, a diversification enabled by the acquisition of laser-cutting machines. During the pandemic, the company notably produced 1.8 million compostable bio-hemp masks.

Financially, the company has secured backing to fuel its growth. An initial investment of €3 million supported the development of its innovative production process. By May 2021, Géochanvre had raised a total of $3.59 million from investors including Famaë Impact, France Active, Investir &+, and NovESS. The company holds multiple certifications, including Origine France Garantie and Ecocert, which validates its products for use in organic farming.

Keywords: Géochanvre, Frédéric Roure, non-woven materials, hemp textiles, hydro-entanglement, biodegradable mulch, geotextiles, ecological transition, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, plastic alternatives, bio-based materials, Origine France Garantie, French tech, green industry, soil conservation, weed control, compostable products, plant-based fibers, ag-tech