Natural Fibre Technologies is a continuation of TTS’s drive to create partnerships for the commercialization of its sustainable biocomposite technologies.

In 1998, Tam Tekle launched TTS—a research and development firm—focused on developing value-added products using by-products from forestry and agricultural production. The company quickly acquired an international reputation for technical and innovative excellence, building a list of consulting clients that include Canfor, Dieffenbacher, Domtar, International Paper, Modern Laminated Timber, Nelson Pine Industries, Schweitzer-Mauduit, and West Fraser Timber.

By 2006, TTS had developed a suite of green building products and began pursuing partnerships for commercial production. The first commercial spin-off, BioComposites Group, launched in 2013, and TTS led the development of the multi-million-dollar engineered fibre mat plant in Drayton Valley, Alberta.

Natural Fibre Technologies emerged in 2014 as the commercialization arm of TTS's sustainable biocomposites technology. NFT exists to bridge the gap between research innovation and market-ready products, creating partnerships that bring scientifically validated hemp-based construction materials to commercial scale.

In 2023, NFT launched its most significant partnership to date: Asinikahtamwak LP., a joint venture with Frog Lake First Nation and the Town of Elk Point. This collaboration embodies our commitment to shared value creation, combining community development, economic growth, and sustainable innovation. Asinikahtamwak operates a dedicated manufacturing facility in Elk Point, Alberta, with initial production focusing on FC-Block™ cement blocks, FC-Cladding™, and Ener-Core™ SIP panels.

What we do

Natural Fibre Technologies processes agricultural material—particularly hemp—grown by strategic partners across Western Canada. From our facility in Edmonton, Alberta, we transform raw hemp into clean fibre and hurd for bulk sales while developing innovative construction materials that outperform traditional building products.

Working alongside TTS's ongoing research and Asinikahtamwak's commercial production, NFT creates a complete value chain from crop to construction site. We make sustainable building materials accessible to industries seeking cost-effective, environmentally responsible solutions that meet or exceed conventional building specifications.

Our approach represents the world's first truly vertically integrated hemp processing operation, embracing "Whole Crop Utilization" to maximize value from every part of the plant.

Our Philosophy

Natural Fibre Technologies is committed to a sustainable future through products that deliver the lowest environmental impact, highest return on investment, and greatest benefit to the communities where we operate.

We believe business means creating exponential shared value—value that yields profit with positive social impacts, innovations with opportunities, where sustainability isn't just a concept, but the natural reality for industries and communities everywhere.

Our partnerships with Indigenous communities, agricultural producers, and manufacturing partners demonstrate that environmental responsibility and economic prosperity can work hand in hand to build stronger, more resilient communities.

To learn more about shared value, please visit sharedvalue.org