Michael Klepacz: An American in Warsaw

Michael Klepacz: An American in Warsaw

Author: Eric Hurlock, Digital Editor July 10, 2026 Duration: 58:44

This week on the Hemp Show, we continue our hemp adventure in Poland, catching up with American expat Michael Klepacz, owner of Natural Materials Unlimited. Klepacz sits near the end of the hemp supply chain — he doesn't grow or process raw fiber himself. Instead, he sources hemp and other natural fibers from regional mills and turns them into finished goods, from hemp wick to dog leashes, as a contract manufacturer for brands worldwide.

Klepacz gives us a walking tour of his factory — beeswax, waxing lines and a dynamometer that tests twine strength — and makes the case for hemp as Europe's best fiber.

We're also re-releasing his first appearance on the show, a 2024 conversation that never made it to the podcast feed, so you can get the full picture of an American entrepreneur building a hemp business from scratch in Poland.

Learn More

Natural Materials Unlimited

https://naturalmaterials.eu

RAW Hemp Wick (10ft)

https://rawthentic.com/prawducts/smoking-gear/lighters-matches-wicks/raw-hemp-wick-10ft/

Libeco Belgian Linen

https://www.libeco.com

EIHA (European Industrial Hemp Association)

https://eiha.org

Thanks to Our Sponsors

HEMI — The Goodness of Hemp https://goodnessofhemp.org

Bish Enterprises — FiberCut https://bishenterprise.com/fibercut

1937 International https://1937international.com

Condor Seed https://condorseed.com

IND Hemp https://indhemp.com


There’s a quiet revolution happening in fields and factories, and it’s centered on a single, versatile plant. Industrial Hemp Podcast, guided by Eric Hurlock, the Digital Editor at Lancaster Farming, moves beyond the headlines to explore what’s actually happening on the ground. This isn’t just theoretical discussion; it’s a direct line to the people driving the industry forward. Each episode features conversations with the farmers who are planting and harvesting these crops, facing very real agronomic challenges and opportunities. You’ll also hear from researchers, processors, and policy experts who are shaping the future of hemp for fiber, grain, and other industrial applications. The dialogue digs into the practicalities-from planting techniques and harvesting equipment to market trends, regulatory hurdles, and technological innovations that are changing the game. It’s a clear-eyed look at an agricultural sector finding its footing, reported by journalists with deep roots in farming communities. For anyone curious about the business, science, and sheer hard work behind industrial hemp, this podcast serves as an essential, grounded resource. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the hype and gets to the root of this growing field.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Industrial Hemp Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Hempcrete Hero: Little House on the Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
We have an outbuilding at home — we call it the Little House. It's a small old barn that sits out in our back yard, maybe 25 feet from the back door. It was a barn for animals at one point, then a garage, then an apartme…
Bob Hoban — The "Hemp Cliff" and What Comes Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:28
This is part ten of a ten-part podcast series documenting the European Industrial Hemp Association's 23rd Annual Conference in Poznan, Poland, at the Institute of Fiber Plants and Medicinal Medicine, June 10-12. Bob Hoba…
Julia Bialecka — Replacing Styrofoam with Hemp and Mycelium [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:57
This is part six of a ten-part podcast series documenting the European Industrial Hemp Association's 23rd Annual Conference in Poznan, Poland, at the Institute of Fiber Plants and Medicinal Medicine, June 10-12. Julia Bi…
Colin Steddy — Soil, Carbon, and Grassroots Farming Down Under [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:06
This is part five of a ten-part podcast series documenting the European Industrial Hemp Association's 23rd Annual Conference in Poznan, Poland, at the Institute of Fiber Plants and Medicinal Medicine, June 10-12. Colin S…
Jan Slaski — Hemp Breeding on the Canadian Prairies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:15
This is part four of a ten-part podcast series documenting the European Industrial Hemp Association's 23rd Annual Conference in Poznan, Poland, at the Institute of Fiber Plants and Medicinal Medicine, June 10-12. Jan Sla…
Estelle Delangle — Building a Whole-Plant Hemp Bioeconomy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:53
This is part three of a ten-part podcast series documenting the European Industrial Hemp Association's 23rd Annual Conference in Poznan, Poland, at the Institute of Fiber Plants and Medicinal Medicine, June 10-12. Estell…