More News

Bast Fibre Technologies names new president and CEO

By Staff Report, posted 3 years ago

Bast Fibre Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of premium natural fibers for global nonwoven and textile industries, has named James Posa the new president and CEO.

At the beginning of 2022, Bast Fibre Technologies acquired Lumberton Cellulose LLC from Georgia-Pacific Cellulose LLC in Robeson County.

Posa joined Bast Fibre Technologies in September 2018 as a business development consultant, and in April 2020 was appointed as president and general manager. 

Co-founder and former CEO Noel Hall will be taking over as executive chair to focus on long-term strategic plans for the company. 

The purchase of Lumberton Cellulose builds Bast Fibre Technologies' existing relationship with Georgia-Pacific Cellulose. Back in February 2020, Bast Fibre Technologies licensed a suite for the use of bast fibers of nonwoven products and processes from Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products. 

“James has exactly the right kind of experience, passion and skills to lead Bast Fibre Technologies for the next phase of our growth,” said Hall. “This is the right time for James to assume the CEO role at Bast Fibre Technologies. The acquisition of FVT in Germany and most recently Lumberton Cellulose in North Carolina have greatly accelerated our move into large scale commercial production.”

This acquisition is the first North American natural fiber processing facility.

Bast Fibre Technologies plans to grow and invest in Lumberton Cellulose as its flagship manufacturer in the United States, which will create new opportunities and markets for North American hemp and flax growers.

“I am excited to lead Bast Fibre Technologies into its next phase of growth, building the foremost natural fiber innovator and manufacturer for the global nonwoven and specialty textile markets,” said Posa. “The world is urgently seeking solutions to plastics pollution, and Bast Fibre Technologies’ tree-free and plastic-free, natural plant fibers will play a key role in the movement away from single-use plastics.”

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
arts-council-of-fayettevillecumberland-county josh-murray headshott

ArtScape 9 Brings New Public Art and Sponsorship Opportunities to Downtown Fayetteville

Josh Murray - Director of Development, Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County
north-carolina-military-business-center bill-simons headshott

Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Bill Simons - Regional Program Manager, Goldsboro, North Carolina Military Business Center
fayetteville-state-university sambit-bhattacharya-phd headshott

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University

In The Current Issue

Wrapping up nicely: Major construction finishes up on new R & R Brewing location coming soon to downtown Clinton

Since announcing their intention to move into the historical Henry Vann building in 2023, the R & R team has been busy working with local and state historical preservation organizations to renovate the building.


Rich in memories: Rich Farm & Venue offers affordable space with modern amenities for customers to reserve for their special celebrations

Rich Farm & Venue is a 37-acre space with amenities suitable for any occasion such as weddings, birthday parties and more. Photos provided by Rich Farm & Venue. Rich Farm & Venue in the town of Roseboro combines affordable prices and


A novel concept: New bookstore and wine bar coming to downtown Fayetteville

Kellie Artis is the owner of Bound & Vine, a soon-to-open independent bookstore and wine bar. Photo by GFBJ. Bookworms and wine lovers are in for a treat as downtown’s newest tenant prepares to open later this year. Kellie Artis is the