Queensland-based Vital Chemical has announced a new manufacturing-focused trans-Tasman partnership with New Zealand materials innovator Rubisco, aimed at introducing hemp and wool-based geotextile technology to Australia for the first time.
The partnership will see Vital Chemical market and distribute the products locally under the VE Geo-Loc Made by Rubisco brand, positioning the natural fibre system as an alternative to synthetic geotextiles used across civil infrastructure, landscaping, construction, and environmental rehabilitation projects.
The range will include a hemp and wool blend as well as a 100% wool option for applications such as erosion control, sediment management and weed suppression.
Vital Chemical Director Paul McMullen said the collaboration reflects the company’s ongoing focus on manufacturing-adjacent innovation and materials designed for practical field performance.
“Our focus has always been on identifying proven technologies globally and making them accessible to the Australian market,” McMullen said.
“VE Geo-Loc Made by Rubisco provides a compelling natural alternative to traditional synthetic geotextiles, and through Vital’s distribution network we are well positioned to support adoption across construction, landscaping and environmental restoration projects nationwide.”
Rubisco, which operates manufacturing facilities in Christchurch and Ashburton, brings more than 50 years of wool fibre processing heritage and has expanded into industrial hemp fibre systems in recent years. The company’s vertically integrated platform spans fibre cultivation, processing and advanced materials manufacturing.
Rubisco CEO Guy Wills said the partnership highlights how natural fibre manufacturing systems are evolving to meet infrastructure and environmental needs.
“Natural fibres such as hemp and wool offer a high-performance alternative to many synthetic materials traditionally used in geotextile applications,” Wills said.
“Working with strong partners such as Vital Chemical enables these solutions to reach new markets and support more sustainable approaches to land management and infrastructure development.”
According to the companies, the VE Geo-Loc Made by Rubisco system is manufactured from South Island-grown industrial hemp blended with New Zealand strong wool. It is produced as a needle-punched nonwoven geotextile designed for erosion control, soil stabilisation and weed suppression, while remaining biodegradable.
Unlike conventional synthetic geotextiles, the product contains no plastics or synthetic polymers, which the companies say eliminates microplastic risks and supports soil health as the fibres naturally break down over time. With a functional lifespan of 18 to 24 months, it is intended to provide durability during vegetation establishment before returning organic matter to the soil.
The companies said demand is increasing for lower-impact materials across infrastructure and environmental restoration projects, with natural fibre geotextiles emerging as a potential alternative to traditional synthetic solutions.
For more information, visit Vital Chemical.
