Hejmas One Step Closer to Establishing Operations in Värmland

By the end of next year, Canadian entrepreneur Marek Hejduk hopes to begin producing pulp from industrial hemp by-products in Värmland. His company, Hejmas Agrifibre Technologies, took a major step toward establishing operations in the region last summer when it initiated a collaboration with the Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF Värmland) and four local farmers to test-grow industrial hemp. One year later, the company reports a highly successful first harvest — and 15 new hectares are already underway.

"Sweden has a fantastic attitude toward innovation and green transition"

Marek Hejduk, originally from Calgary, Canada, has a background in engineering. By chance, he met people who had started growing hemp, which sparked the idea of utilizing the leftover stalks as a resource. Together with a chemist, he began experimenting and developed a method to extract both long and short fibers — in a much more environmentally friendly way than traditional wood-based pulp production, and with almost no odor.

“We hired a test lab and confirmed that it works, but I received no response back home in Canada,” he explains.

Then he discovered Ignite Sweden, an innovation program that supports international companies.

“Out of 3,000 applicants, only ten were selected — and we were one of them,” he says with a big smile.

He is both pleased and impressed by the reception he has received in Sweden.

“Sweden has a fantastic attitude toward innovation and green transition,” says Marek, adding that the company’s latest tests show that their production method results in an extremely low carbon footprint compared to traditional wood-based pulp. It also uses significantly less water and energy, resulting in lower costs.

“If we include the carbon dioxide absorbed by the crops, the CO₂ footprint becomes neutral — or even negative,” he says, also noting that farmers can sell other parts of the hemp plant for various products.

The First Harvest of Industrial Hemp a Success

Through Sting Bioeconomy, Marek connected with several farmers in Värmland who have been test-growing hemp for the past year. The results from the first harvest are very promising.

“Our first harvest went very well, and we’re very satisfied with both the results and the collaboration with LRF Värmland and the farmers. Industrial hemp is an excellent alternative raw material for pulp production. This harvest proves that we can grow it successfully here in Värmland,” says Marek.

Hugo and Per Henningsson, father and son, are two of the farmers involved in the project and are also very positive.

“It’s been exciting to grow something new beyond traditional grains. The collaboration with Hejmas has gone smoothly, with excellent communication throughout,” says Hugo Henningsson.

“I agree with Hugo — this partnership has been very positive. Since this is something new, we’re learning a lot along the way,” adds Per Henningsson.

"Värmland is an ideal region to scale up our operations"

The successful first harvest marks an important step in Hejmas’ continued expansion, which includes gradually increasing cultivation. The company has also identified a potential site in Storfors, Värmland, and plans to process the raw material locally — which, in addition to the farming collaboration, will create both direct and indirect jobs in the region.

“We’ve always seen Värmland as an ideal region to scale up our operations, with the right service providers, equipment manufacturers, and expertise. The combination of skilled farmers, strong local engagement, and our innovative technology creates the foundation for something truly meaningful. This year, we’re testing several hemp varieties to determine which are best suited for both food and fiber production,” says Marek Hejduk.

Business Region Värmland views Hejmas’ establishment and ambitions as inspiring and significant. Benjamin A. Nyqvist, investment advisor at Business Region Värmland, sees the move as clear evidence that the region is one of the most attractive places for companies looking to develop and create value from biomass.

“We look forward to supporting Hejmas and the municipality of Storfors in this important establishment and hope for continued success and further expansion in the future,” says Benjamin.

About Hejmas

Hejmas Agrifibre Technologies is a startup whose business idea is to produce pulp from industrial hemp fibers. The method significantly reduces carbon emissions, water and energy consumption, and chemical use. The final product can be used as raw material in the production of medical and consumer goods such as wound care products, surgical masks, menstrual products, diapers, and hundreds of other everyday items.

Text: Based on articles from Sting Bioeconomy and Storfors Municipality

Images: Hejmas and Storfors Municipality