Portugal stands out not only as one of the world's largest exporters of medicinal cannabis, set to finish 2024 behind only Canada. The country is undergoing a true green industrial revolution, driven by the hemp potential in Portugal, with innovations ranging from the textile sector to construction.

A local company, Nau Verde, aims to relocate the production of flax and hemp fiber in Europe, currently concentrated in Asia. To achieve this, it has an investment of nearly €112 million, which includes the creation of 250 jobs, according to Fashion Network.

The startup is developing the country's first 100% flax and hemp wet spinning industrial unit in Santo Tirso. The unit will be installed in a former industrial complex, marking "a turning point for the Portuguese and European textile industry".

Coordinating the "Lusitano Project," Nau Verde brings together 17 partners to develop sustainable high-performance fibers. According to CEO Isabel Carneiro, the project uses advanced processes that enhance fiber quality for the premium segment.

The company also ensures a 50% to 60% reduction in the environmental impact of the process, thanks to innovative treatments already in industrial validation. Supported by the PRR, the initiative combines innovation, sustainability, and transformation.

Sustainable construction with hemp in Portugal

Another prominent area for hemp in Portugal is the construction sector. In March 2025, Cânhamor began producing hemp blocks, the ECOblocks, at its new factory in Alentejo, a project with an investment of €22 million.

This new factory represents a significant change in the company's production capacity. Just five years ago, Cânhamor manufactured materials for about four constructions per month, and today it exceeds the mark of 250.

The transformation reflects the commitment to local production and the potential of hemp as a raw material. In the last cycle, the company processed the harvest from nearly 500 hectares of the plant, with plans to expand to three thousand hectares in the next two years, consolidating the importance of hemp in Portugal.