Hemp Finds a New Grip: French Innovation Brings Cannabis Fibres to Climbing Holds

As hemp finds more and more applications in construction, textiles, and bioplastics, a company based in Isère has identified a new market for this versatile plant: climbing holds.

Located in Saint-Vincent-de-Mercuze, the company Ino Holds has developed what it describes as the world’s first large-scale manufacturing process for climbing holds incorporating locally sourced hemp fibers.

Traditional climbing holds are typically made from plastic resins or polyurethane and are often manufactured overseas. Ino Holds aims to offer a more sustainable alternative by replacing some of these petroleum-based materials with hemp.

GreenMix, a material made from hemp and recycled plastics

The company’s innovation is based on a proprietary composite material called GreenMix. Developed after three years of research and development, this material combines hemp fibers with recycled plastic components, including PET derived from plastic bottles.

Instead of using sand as a filler, as is often the case with many conventional climbing holds, GreenMix incorporates hemp fibers. According to the company, this approach reduces weight while improving durability. Ino Holds claims that its holds are about 40% lighter and 23% stronger than conventional polyethylene models.

The choice of hemp is also consistent with France’s position as one of the the world's leading producers of industrial hemp. By sourcing raw materials locally, the company aims to shorten supply chains and reduce transportation-related emissions.

The holds produced in this way are also designed to be recyclable at the end of their life cycle, addressing a growing concern within the climbing industry, where used holds often end up in the trash.

Textures inspired by natural stone

Beyond the environmental argument, Ino Holds has placed a strong emphasis on climbing performance. The company has developed a surface treatment called AlpX, created in collaboration with the Swiss industrial design firm Youkaidi and French hold designer Simon Favrot.

Unlike traditional climbing holds, which typically feature uniform textures, AlpX creates three-dimensional surfaces designed to mimic the irregularities of natural rock. Several texture patterns are available, including “Ridges,” “Cracks,” and “Summits,” each providing a different feel under the fingers.

According to climbers and route setters, these textured surfaces allow for more precise hand placement and provide a climbing experience that more closely resembles outdoor climbing. The textures may also improve durability by maintaining friction for longer than traditional polyurethane surfaces.

A booming market

The company is entering a market that has grown rapidly in recent years. The inclusion of indoor climbing in the Olympic Games has helped boost the sport, leading to the opening of new climbing gyms across Europe, particularly in Alpine regions such as the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Founded in 2005 under the umbrella of the company Osm’Ose, Ino Holds currently employs about 20 people. The company has set its sights high: the manufacturer hopes to capture half of the French climbing hold market within five years, a sector currently dominated by foreign producers.

The company’s eco-friendly approach is already attracting interest from climbing gyms looking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising performance. Initial feedback from testers highlights not only the sustainability benefits but also the practical advantages of lighter holds, including easier installation and maintenance.

Their website: https://www.ino-holds.com/