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Corporate Update

US Hemp Fibre Enters India’s Textile Supply Chain

• By  Textile Excellence
• May 15, 2026

US-based Panda Biotech has entered a strategic partnership with Culturewell Trading LLP to introduce industrial hemp fibre from the United States into India’s textile supply chain. The move is aimed at meeting rising global demand for sustainable, traceable and certified raw materials.

The collaboration comes at a time when India’s textile sector is under pressure to shift towards greener inputs. The industry is a global powerhouse, producing yarns, fabrics, denim, garments, technical textiles and home furnishings for leading international brands. But buyers are now demanding more transparency, lower environmental impact and verified sourcing.

Under the agreement, Culturewell Hemp will act as the authorised importer and distributor of Panda Biotech’s US-grown industrial hemp fibre in India. The goal is to build a steady supply pipeline for high-performance fibre that can be used across multiple textile segments.

Company officials say the partnership is designed to bridge a key gap in the market — reliable access to scalable, consistent and certified hemp fibre that meets export-grade standards.

Dixie Carter, President of Panda Biotech, said Indian textile manufacturers are actively looking for fibres that can compete globally on quality, price and sustainability. She said the local distribution network through Culturewell will help accelerate adoption across Indian mills.

The initiative is built on three core pillars. First, Panda Biotech’s mechanically processed hemp fibre will be combined with Culturewell’s distribution and market reach. Second, the focus will be on scaling hemp adoption in India’s textile ecosystem. Third, the partnership will address rising demand for globally compliant sustainable fibres.

Each shipment under the arrangement will carry OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and USDA BioPreferred certifications. These certifications are expected to strengthen trust among export-oriented manufacturers and global buyers.

Industry officials say traceability is becoming a critical requirement for exports. Panda Biotech’s fibre offers end-to-end traceability, which is increasingly demanded by international brands tightening supply chain rules.

Another key advantage is potential duty benefits. US-origin hemp fibre processed in India may qualify for export-linked advantages in certain markets, giving manufacturers a cost edge over competing suppliers from Europe and China.

The companies also highlight the strong sustainability narrative. Certified, low-impact fibres are becoming essential for brands targeting environmentally conscious consumers.

With this partnership, Indian textile mills gain a new, certified supply option for industrial hemp fibre. The move signals a broader shift in the industry towards sustainable materials that can meet both commercial and compliance pressures in global markets.

Dixie Carter, President of Panda Biotech, said Indian textile manufacturers are actively looking for fibres that can compete globally on quality, price and sustainability. She said the local distribution network through Culturewell will help accelerate adoption across Indian mills. The initiative is built on three core pillars. First, Panda Biotech’s mechanically processed hemp fibre will be combined with Culturewell’s distribution and market reach. Second, the focus will be on scaling hemp adoption in India’s textile ecosystem. Third, the partnership will address rising demand for globally compliant sustainable fibres.