Making NETTLE Cultivation an Economic and Environmental Opportunity for Regional Agriculture
Our Project
The Lort’innov project aims to develop large-scale nettle cultivation in the Grand Est region for the textile industry. It seeks to master the complete production process, from sowing to harvest, and to optimize the transformation of stems into fibers while valorizing the other parts of the plant (leaves, wood, trichomes, roots).
Building on the Ecurey projects (cultivation feasibility, material requirements and adapted seeds) and Newfibre (feasibility of transformation into textile fibers), Lort’innov aims to structure a local, traceable and multi-valorized supply chain.
THE EIP
LORT’INNOV
“From Nettle to Fiber: Cultivating and Transforming for a Sustainable Future
in the Grand Est Region!”
Get to Know Us Better
Our Approach
Development of the Regional Nettle Supply Chain
Collaboration with the Upstream Agricultural Sector
Produce a Yarn Usable in Textiles
Extraction of Molecules of Interest
Usage
A SUSTAINABLE
PRODUCT
Textile nettle is an innovative natural fiber that grows without pesticides or intensive irrigation, while allowing the valorization of both its stems and leaves to minimize waste.
Combining strength, comfort and a low ecological footprint, it represents a sustainable alternative to traditional fibers and stands out as a promising solution for more planet-friendly textiles.
FAQ
We Answer Your Questions
Nettle offers strong, breathable and biodegradable fibers. It grows quickly without pesticides or fertilizers, with a low water footprint, and provides a feel similar to linen while being very resistant.
It is the same species, but varieties and cultivation practices dedicated to textiles favor long and regular stems to obtain more homogeneous fibers that are easier to spin.
Yes, for example there are 100% nettle creations from Ligne Sauvage and Natural Ethics.
No. The stinging hairs disappear during retting, decorticating and spinning. The final textile fiber does not sting.
Different extraction techniques can be used (maceration, infusion, natural solvents, modern processes such as supercritical extraction). Valorization then involves their integration into pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food formulas.
Our Events
Find upcoming Lort’innov events: project committee meetings, workshops for technical centers and farmers, training sessions for farmers.
No upcoming events.
Partners
