“Hemp as a potential raw material toward a sustainable world: A review” A T M Faiz Ahmed, Md Zahidul Islam, Md Sultan Mahmud, Md Emdad Sarker, Md Reajul Islam * Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Global warming as a result of climate change has become a major concern for people all over the world. It has recently drawn the attention of the entire conscious community, with the fear that if not addressed properly, it will result in the extinction of numerous species around the world. At the same time, it will pose a threat to human health, food security, living environment and standard of living. Thereby, possible solutions are being explored accordingly; regulations have been imposed in places binding green production practices, limiting the emission of CO2 and emphasis is given on renewable resources along with the search for alternatives to carbon-positive materials. Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) has received a lot of attention because of its multipurpose usability, short production cycle, low capital demand in cultivation, possibility of carbon-negative transformation and easy carbon sequestering material. This paper reviews hemp as a very promising renewable resource including its
potential uses in paper, textiles, composites, biofuel, and food industry.
Calling all canna-curious comrades, eco-warriors, and lovers of all things hemptastic! This weekend, Barcelona explodes with a celebration of the mighty hemp plant: Spannabis is back, baby! Get ready for a fiesta unlike any other, where sustainability meets good vibes and innovation gets high-fived by creativity.
A Hemp Heaven:
Imagine a wonderland where booths overflow with all things hemp: luscious CBD oils that promise to melt your stress away, innovative textiles that feel like a hug from Mother Nature herself, and enough hempcrete building models to inspire your next eco-friendly home project. Spannabis is a sensory smorgasbord for the hemp enthusiast!
Learn, Laugh, and Lift Your Spirits:
But Spannabis is more than just a shopping spree. This vibrant fair boasts conferences featuring industry experts dropping knowledge bombs about the latest advancements in hemp research, cultivation, and applications. There’ll be workshops where you can unleash your inner hemp artisan, learning to make your own sustainable clothing or craft some delicious hempseed snacks. And let’s not forget the entertainment! Live music, art installations, and even cooking demonstrations will keep your spirits high and your feet tapping.
A Celebration of Sustainability:
At the heart of Spannabis lies a deep respect for our planet. You’ll meet passionate growers committed to sustainable farming practices, entrepreneurs dedicated to creating eco-friendly products, and activists championing the environmental benefits of hemp. Spannabis is a celebration of a greener future, woven with hemp fibers and fueled by positive energy.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your reusable bags, grab your most hemp-thusiastic crew, and head to Barcelona for a weekend of fun, education, and a whole lotta hemp love! ¡Nos vemos en Spannabis! (See you at Spannabis!)
We brought some pictures for you (freeregistration required).
A plan from Texas A&M University researchers to 3D print new resilient buildings using hempcrete has the potential to lower the environmental impact of traditional construction methods and make housing more affordable and available.
The project will be funded by a $3.74 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) Harnessing Emissions into Structures Taking Inputs from the Atmosphere (HESTIA) program.
Petros Sideris, assistant professor of the Zachry department of civil and environmental engineering, will lead the project as principal investigator to develop residential and potential commercial construction designs. His team consists of Assistant Professor Maria Koliou, Department Head and Professor Zachary Grasley, Professor Anand Puppala, Associate Professor Manish Dixit and Professor Wei Yan of the Texas A&M College of Architecture.
Hempcrete is made by mixing hemp powder, fibers or shives with lime and water, creating a lightweight, green building material.
“While production of conventional construction materials such as concrete requires large amounts of energy and releases large amounts of CO2 [carbon dioxide], hempcrete is a net carbon-negative material, which can provide major environmental benefits,” Sideris said.
Sustainability will be further promoted by designing hempcrete structures more resilient to natural hazards than commonly used lightweight wood frame construction.
“Resilience to natural hazards is intertwined with environmental sustainability because building damage and subsequent repairs due to extreme events such as hurricanes result in major environmental impacts,” Sideris said.
Hempcrete has already been used globally in residential construction and prefabricated modular construction.
“Hempcrete has excellent fire resistance and thermal insulating properties that can reduce heating and cooling energy demands,” he said. “It is water-resistant and offers good acoustic properties.”
As part of the project, building designs will be printable and created to achieve structural and energy performance that will comply with modern design codes. Sideris said digital designs of printable hempcrete buildings will facilitate adoption by the construction industry.
“The advancements of this project will contribute to the U.S. maintaining its worldwide leadership in advanced construction methods and infrastructure sustainability and resilient technologies,” he said.
The funding is part of HESTIA, which prioritizes overcoming barriers associated with carbon-storing buildings, including scarce, expensive and geographically limited building materials. The HESTIA program aims to increase the total amount of carbon stored in buildings to create carbon sinks, which absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than released during construction.
Wisconsin Battery Company announced the acquisition of 17 acres in Portage, Wis., where it will build a new manufacturing plant to develop hemp carbon batteries as an alternative for lithium ion batteries.
Wisconsin Battery Company focuses on research, development and manufacturing of clean, renewable energy storage alternatives.
A Jan. 16 report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said the company aims to start production of batteries (for hearing aids) in 2025 and eventually ramp up to electric vehicle batteries.
The company said these hemp carbon batteries will offer improved energy density, longer lifespan, reduced environmental impact and utilize domestically produced raw material thus addressing the national security risks associated with global lithium sourcing. The plant also will focus on developing industrial batteries that enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar and wind power systems and maximize efficiency of connections to the grid.
In the face of escalating environmental concerns, the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional materials has become imperative. Fossil fuel-based plastics, notorious for their non-biodegradable nature and detrimental impact on ecosystems, have spurred a quest for eco-friendly alternatives. Hemp, an ancient plant with a myriad of uses, is emerging as a promising candidate for replacing fossil fuel plastics. We explore the potential of hemp bioplastics to address the environmental crisis, focusing on their biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and positive impacts on biodiversity.
I. The Menace of Fossil Fuel Plastics
1. The Ecological Toll of Conventional Plastics
Fossil fuel plastics, derived from non-renewable resources, have infiltrated every corner of the planet. Their persistence in the environment poses a severe threat to ecosystems, marine life, and human health. The alarming accumulation of plastic waste in oceans, rivers, and landfills has sparked a global crisis, prompting urgent measures to find sustainable alternatives.
2. Toxicity and Human Health Concerns
Apart from their environmental impact, fossil fuel plastics contribute to health risks through the release of toxic chemicals during production and decomposition. These chemicals, such as bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, can leach into food and water, entering the human food chain and causing long-term health issues.
II. Hemp: A Green Revolution
1. The Renaissance of Hemp
Hemp, a versatile and resilient plant, has a rich history of human use dating back thousands of years. Revered for its fibres, seeds, and medicinal properties, hemp has recently gained attention as a sustainable solution in the modern era. Unlike traditional crops, hemp requires minimal pesticides, herbicides, and water, making it an eco-friendly cultivation choice.
2. Biodegradability: Hemp’s Green Advantage
One of the most compelling features of hemp bioplastics is their biodegradability. Unlike conventional plastics that persist for centuries, hemp-based bioplastics break down naturally, minimising environmental impact. This characteristic not only addresses the plastic pollution crisis but also supports the circular economy by returning nutrients to the soil.
III. Hemp Bioplastics: A Sustainable Alternative
1. Production Process and Carbon Footprint
The production of hemp bioplastics involves extracting cellulose from the hemp plant. This process is significantly more sustainable than the extraction of fossil fuels for traditional plastics. Moreover, the cultivation of hemp acts as a carbon sink, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating climate change.
2. Versatility and Performance
Hemp bioplastics exhibit remarkable versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from packaging materials to consumer products. The material’s durability and flexibility rival traditional plastics, ensuring that it can meet the demands of various industries without compromising performance.
IV. Positive Environmental Impacts of Hemp Cultivation
1. Biodiversity Preservation
Hemp cultivation promotes biodiversity by providing a habitat for a diverse range of insects, birds, and other wildlife. Unlike monoculture crops, hemp fields support a healthy ecosystem, fostering beneficial relationships between different species. This contrasts starkly with the environmental degradation associated with the intensive farming practices often employed for fossil fuel production.
2. Soil Health and Regeneration
Hemp is renowned for its ability to regenerate soil health. Its deep roots help prevent soil erosion, and the plant’s fast growth suppresses weed growth naturally, reducing the need for herbicides. Additionally, hemp cultivation can be part of a crop rotation strategy, further enhancing soil fertility.
Conclusion
The urgency of addressing the environmental crisis calls for innovative solutions that mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet. Hemp bioplastics emerge as a beacon of hope, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. With their biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and positive impacts on biodiversity, hemp bioplastics present a viable path toward a greener and more sustainable future. By embracing this versatile plant, we have the opportunity to transform industries, protect ecosystems, and pave the way for a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the planet. The shift towards hemp bioplastics represents not only a practical solution but also a symbolic step towards responsible stewardship of the Earth.
Today, the Common Agriculture Policy is responsible for establishing the maximum THC level allowed for industrial hemp on the field. Many EU countries still prohibit or have unclear regulations about the use and marketing of flowers, incorrectly considered as narcotic, even if the THC level is below the established thresholds in the EU regulation for industrial hemp. In order for hemp to be a profitable crop, farmers need to be allowed to maximise their income through the utilisation of the whole plant, especially the flowers and leaves. That is why, EIHA defends a “whole plant” approach (#unlockthepotential).
Hemp transformers source 90% of their raw material within Europe. More than half of flowers and leaves traded in Europe are used for the production of food supplements, including CBD extracts. When it comes to textiles, because of the relatively high raw material prices, the lack of fibre supply and the scarcity of manufacturing facilities, production is limited as it mainly represents a niche market. A huge consumers market existed for hemp fibres until after World War II. Just to give you an idea, in the 1930s Russia’s hemp area sown was almost 700,000 hectares, providing for 40% of Europe’s hemp needs. In comparison, Italy and Yugoslavia accounted for up to 100,000 hectares each. Currently the EU combined barely grows 50,000 hectares. France is currently the biggest producer, followed by Italy and the Netherlands.
Even though Europe has not unlocked the full potential of hemp, the industry is rapidly growing. In fact, from 2013 to 2018, there was a 70% increase in the number of hectares dedicated to industrial hemp cultivation in Europe. If we compare it to 1993 figures, the number of hectares has increased 614% since.
Transforming the Paper Industry with Hemp Innovation and Perseverence
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of hemp paper? Join us in an illuminating conversation with Matt Glyer, the CEO of Hemp Press, a trailblazing organization on a mission to reintroduce American hemp into the mainstream. Discover how Hemp Press and New Growth Paper Company are revolutionizing the paper industry.
The journey of hemp paper has not been without its challenges. Initially, there was a strong desire to make hemp paper work, but the early results were discouraging. In fact, objective analyses indicated that hemp paper wasn’t suitable for printing. However, fast forward to 2023, and the situation has dramatically changed! Learn how by clicking below!
Learn more about the Hemp Press Companies or ask your local printshop if he’s already into hemp printing.
Europe: Citizens’ initiative to improve access to medical use of cannabis
14 th March 2024
The European Commission has approved the registration of a multinational initiative to promote access to medical use of cannabis and encourage research into the plant’s therapeutic potency. That means signature collection can start. Petitioners have six months to launch the initiative and must then collect one million signatures from at least seven member states within a year to force the European Union to consider the proposal.
One objective asks the commission to “promote access to medicinal cannabis and allow the transport of cannabis and its derivatives prescribed for therapeutic purposes to ensure the full enjoyment of the right to health”. Another objective asks the EU to “allocate the necessary funds for research on cannabis for therapeutic purposes”.
