Hemp composites offer a sustainable alternative to glass fibre, absorbing carbon during growth rather than emitting it during production, but moisture sensitivity has confined them to indoor-only use. This locks out massive markets: lightweight boat components, weather-resistant building facades, and automotive parts exposed to the elements. SM8RT is changing that. We're the UK's only supplier of technical-grade hemp textiles for high-performance composites, and we're now testing bio-friendly waterproofing treatments that could finally unlock outdoor applications. Think carbon-negative materials that can actually survive British weather. The eight-week study validates whether waterproofed hemp composites can match the durability of traditional materials whilst maintaining their environmental advantages. If successful, boat builders, construction firms, and car manufacturers gain access to genuinely sustainable materials that perform in the real world, not just in protected environments. BMW recently announced natural fibre composites for car roofs and exterior parts, cutting production emissions by 40%. We're proving the UK can lead this transition, not follow it. The impact extends beyond SM8RT. UK hemp farmers gain expanded markets. Manufacturers access proven low-carbon materials meeting incoming Building Regulations and automotive emissions targets. And crucially, we demonstrate that bio-based doesn't mean compromise: it means carbon-negative performance ready for the toughest applications. This isn't about making hemp composites "good enough." It's about making them the obvious choice: lighter, lower-carbon, and now weather-resistant. The feasibility study de-risks the commercialisation pathway, proving UK natural fibre composites can compete globally in applications previously thought impossible for plant-based materials. British innovation, British manufacturing: ready to take on Europe's established bio-composite suppliers and prove sustainable doesn't mean second-best.

**The Salix Project: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions with Industrial Hemp** Sustainability is our SM8RT move. With this ethos at its heart, SM8RT and AMIC-Sustainable Composites are delivering the Salix project by embarking on an ambitious journey to revolutionise the advanced manufacturing sector by tapping into the vast potential of industrial hemp. This initiative is not just about materials; it's about sustainability, innovation, and envisioning a future where eco-friendly solutions are paramount. Industrial hemp, a renewable and sustainable resource, has long been underutilised. The Salix project seeks to change this narrative by exploring its potential as a versatile material source for a myriad of applications. From construction to manufacturing, the transformative possibilities are vast, and the environmental dividends are profound. A standout feature of this project is its commitment to local growth. By championing UK-grown industrial hemp, we aim to diminish our reliance on imported materials, bolstering the UK's stature in the global market. This strategy not only promises economic advantages but also resonates with the UK's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050\. Beyond the tangible applications of hemp, the Salix project is also a movement of community and perception. We are fervently dedicated to reshaping both public and industry perspectives on industrial hemp, dispelling longstanding myths, and accentuating its unparalleled potential. We aspire to enlighten, inform, and catalyse a shift towards a more sustainable mindset. Collaboration is the linchpin of the Salix project's success. Working alongside AMIC Sustainable Composites and by forging alliances with design experts and industry trailblazers, SM8RT are able to ensure our approach marries innovation with pragmatism. Together, we are charting a course towards a future where sustainable materials are the norm, not the exception.

SM8RT believes sustainability should underpin the fabric of our communities, products and technologies. We seek to challenge the status quo, provide alternative products born from nature that take meaningful steps away from oil-derived materials, and products that do not compromise on performance and make tangible steps towards championing the circular economy while providing economic growth to UK communities. Project Fraxinus, is inspired by the Ash, a fast-growing tree previously critical to the economic development of many industries across the UK. We seek to pave the way to a strong case for the manufacturing of a prototype bio-based construction material we aim to champion. The expertise within our team, who celebrate decades of experience across many sectors, alongside partners within academia, Catapult centres and industry jointly believe that the UK is in the optimal position to grow, champion and challenge these pioneering products. However, several key factors must be addressed in order to prove the concept, assess the feasibility and financial viability, determine challenges, identify opportunities and gain a greater understanding of how our product's life cycle can benefit the UK market and our environmental impact. This project will see the manufacture of 3 future products (including structural and non-structural parts i.e., cladding/panels, post, pillar, floorboard/decking) and testing carried out to determine the mechanical performance along with several other KPIs drawn from across the manufacturing and construction industry. With a set of prototypes, this project will seek to delve into the life cycle analysis of each product and draw a comparison to the current market offering and indicate whether it is truly a suitable low-carbon alternative. Project Fraxinus will seek to analyse the cost of the products and analyse the existing supply chain across the UK and identify opportunities for growth. A market analysis will be carried out to identify further opportunities across our chosen industry to maximise the impact and benefits the technology has to offer. Those within rural communities will be provided with the opportunity to new and additional income streams through the diversification of crops, utilise previously non-arable land, develop local supply chains and support the UK's levelling up agenda.