Category: Industrial Hemp

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Hemp: A Sustainable Solution for Construction, Environmental Cleanup, and Energy Storage

Hemp: A Sustainable Solution for Construction, Environmental Cleanup, and Energy Storage

Hemp, a versatile plant with a rich history, is experiencing a resurgence as a sustainable building material and environmental solution. Its rapid growth, robust nature, and ability to absorb carbon dioxide make it an attractive alternative to traditional materials. This article delves into the multifaceted benefits of hemp in construction, environmental cleanup, and energy storage, highlighting its potential to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Construction with Hemp: A Sustainable Building Block

Hempcrete, a composite material made from hemp hurd (the woody core of the hemp stalk) and a lime binder, is gaining popularity in the construction industry. It offers numerous advantages:

  • Excellent Insulation: Hempcrete provides exceptional thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 40%.
  • Superior Soundproofing: Its dense cellular structure effectively absorbs sound, reducing noise pollution by up to 20%.
  • Fire Resistance: Hempcrete is highly fire-resistant, offering superior protection against fire hazards.
  • Moisture Regulation: It can absorb and release moisture, helping to maintain a healthy indoor climate and preventing mold growth.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Hempcrete acts as a carbon sink, capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It can sequester up to 12 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year.

Environmental Cleanup with Hemp: A Natural Solution

Hemp has the potential to play a significant role in environmental cleanup and remediation:

  • Soil Remediation: Hemp can be used to phytoremediate contaminated soil by absorbing heavy metals and pollutants. It can remove pollutants like lead, cadmium, and arsenic from soil.
  • Water Filtration: Hemp can be used to filter water, removing pollutants and improving water quality. A single hectare of hemp can absorb 3000 liters of water per day.
  • Waste Reduction: Hemp-based products can reduce waste generation and promote a circular economy. The hemp industry generates significantly less waste compared to traditional industries.

Hemp as an Energy Storage Solution

Beyond construction and environmental cleanup, hemp can be utilized in energy storage applications:

  • Hempcrete Batteries: Researchers are exploring the possibility of using hempcrete as a matrix for energy storage devices, such as batteries. This could lead to more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions.
  • Bioenergy: Hemp can be converted into biofuels, providing a renewable energy source. One hectare of hemp can produce enough biofuel to power a car for a year.
  • Biogas Production: Hemp residues can be used to produce biogas, a clean and renewable energy source. Hemp can produce more biogas per acre than any other crop.

Social, Economic, and Environmental Benefits

The widespread adoption of hemp in construction and other industries can yield significant social, economic, and environmental benefits:

  • Job Creation: The global hemp industry employs millions of people worldwide, with potential for significant job growth in the future.
  • Economic Growth: The hemp industry contributes billions of dollars to the global economy.
  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Hemp-based products can reduce carbon emissions and minimize ecological damage. The hemp industry has a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional industries.
  • Improved Health and Well-being: Hemp-based building materials can create healthier and more comfortable living environments.
  • Social Equity: The cultivation of hemp can provide opportunities for marginalized communities.

Conclusion

Hemp, a versatile and sustainable resource, offers a promising future for construction, environmental cleanup, and energy storage. By embracing this ancient plant, we can build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.

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How does the rootsystem of hemp behave when planted as industrial hemp? Can it help to regulate and absorb too much water?

Yes, the root system of industrial hemp plays a significant role in regulating and absorbing excess water, contributing to soil health and potentially mitigating flood risks. Here’s how:

Deep Root System:

  • Industrial hemp develops a robust taproot system, which can grow several meters deep. These deep roots penetrate the soil profile, accessing water reserves unavailable to shallow-rooted plants.
  • Improved Drainage: The deep taproot allows water to infiltrate deeper into the soil, promoting drainage and preventing waterlogging in the upper layers. This can help reduce surface runoff and potential flooding during heavy rains.

Increased Water Retention:

  • Extensive Root Network: In addition to the taproot, hemp also develops a wide network of lateral roots in the upper soil layers. These roots increase the overall surface area for water absorption, allowing the plant to hold onto more water in the soil.
  • Improved Soil Structure: Hemp roots help create channels and pathways for water to infiltrate the soil more efficiently. They also contribute to soil aggregation, improving soil structure and its ability to retain water.

Overall Benefits:

  • Reduced Flood Risk: By promoting drainage and increasing water retention, hemp can help regulate water flow in the soil, potentially mitigating the risk of flash floods during heavy rain events.
  • Improved Drought Resilience: The deep root system allows hemp to access water reserves during dry periods, making it more resistant to drought conditions.
  • Enhanced Soil Health: Hemp roots contribute to a healthier soil ecosystem by improving drainage, aeration, and water retention. This fosters beneficial microbial life and promotes overall soil health.

Limitations:

  • Planting Density: The effectiveness of hemp for water regulation depends on planting density. Densely planted hemp fields will have a more significant impact on water management compared to sparse plantings.
  • Soil Type: The type of soil can influence the water retention capabilities of hemp roots. Hemp may be more effective in well-draining soils compared to heavy clay soils.

Conclusion:

Industrial hemp’s deep root system plays a valuable role in regulating and absorbing excess water. This contributes to improved soil health, increased drought resilience, and potentially reduces flood risk by promoting drainage and water retention. While not a single solution, hemp can be a valuable tool in integrated flood management strategies.

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Hemp Corridors and Micro-Decorticators: Cultivating a Sustainable Future

Hemp Corridors and Micro-Decorticators: Cultivating a Sustainable Future

Hemp, a versatile and eco-friendly plant, is poised for a resurgence. One innovative approach gaining traction is the concept of Hemp Corridors – dedicated zones where small-scale hemp farms collaborate to create a robust and sustainable hemp ecosystem. These corridors, coupled with mobile micro-decorticators, offer a promising path towards environmental rejuvenation, economic revitalization, and a strong sense of community.

Environmental Impact:

  • Land Remediation: Hemp thrives in various soil conditions, including degraded land. Cultivating hemp corridors can help clean contaminated soil through a process known as phytoremediation, where plants absorb and break down pollutants.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Hemp is a champion carbon sink, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Widespread hemp cultivation within corridors can contribute to mitigating climate change.
  • Biodiversity Promotion: Hemp cultivation fosters healthy ecosystems by attracting beneficial insects and promoting soil health, leading to increased biodiversity.

Economic Benefits:

  • Job Creation: Hemp corridors create opportunities for new jobs in farming, processing, and product development. This can revitalize rural economies and provide income diversification for local communities.
  • Localized Production: Hemp corridors promote local processing and value addition, reducing reliance on long-distance transportation and minimizing the industry’s carbon footprint.
  • Sustainable Materials: Hemp offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in various industries. Hemp corridors can create a reliable source of these eco-friendly materials, boosting the green economy.

Community Building:

  • Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Hemp corridors foster collaboration among farmers, processors, and other stakeholders. This knowledge exchange strengthens the community and paves the way for innovation.
  • Transparency and Traceability: By operating within a defined corridor, the origin and processing of hemp can be transparently tracked, fostering trust and responsible practices.
  • Empowerment and Social Cohesion: Hemp corridors empower local communities to take control of their economic and environmental destiny. This fosters a sense of shared purpose and social cohesion.

The Hemp Nation Group’s Investment:

The Hemp Nation Group (HNG), a leader in open-source hemp development, envisions a future with a fleet of 10 mobile micro-decorticators serving a network of hemp corridors. Micro-decortication is the initial processing step, separating the hurd (inner woody core) and fiber from the hemp stalk. This crucial step allows for further processing into a variety of products.

Investment Estimation:

While the exact cost can vary depending on factors like size and features, a single mobile micro-decorticator can range from €3,750 to €4,550. Therefore, The Hemp Nation Group’s investment in a fleet of 10 micro-decorticators would be approximately €37,500 to €45,500, not included the maintenance-, training- and transportscosts.

Open-Source and Automation:

HNG’s commitment to open-source development extends to micro-decorticators. By sharing knowledge and collaborating on design improvements, the cost of these machines can be reduced, making them more accessible to small-scale farmers and processing cooperatives.

Conclusion:

Hemp corridors and mobile micro-decorticators offer a compelling vision for a sustainable and thriving hemp industry. The Hemp Nation Group’s investment and commitment to open-source development are a testament to their leadership in this transformative movement. By prioritizing environmental well-being, economic empowerment, and community collaboration, hemp corridors have the potential to cultivate a brighter future for all.

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Industrial Hemp Market (U.S.) Size & Trends

The global industrial hemp market size was estimated at USD 5.49 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5% from 2024 to 2030. The growth is driven by the rising product demand from application industries, such as food & beverage, personal care, and animal care, across the globe.

U.S. Industrial Hemp market size and growth rate, 2024 - 2030To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

Growing demand for hemp products including fiber, seed, stalks, hurds, and oils from the aforementioned application industries is expected to drive market growth. Industrial hemp production is associated with several agricultural and environmental benefits. With its fast growth period of 120-150 days and significant biomass yield, hemp enables efficient use of agricultural land. It is useful in carbon sequestration as it yields a large amount of biomass along with providing a useful break in crop rotation.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Market growth stage is high, and pace of the market growth is accelerating. The market is highly competitive owing to the presence of large number of domestic and international players operating in the industrial hemp market. The potential for growth in industrial hemp production and processing, fueled by the growing demand from key application industries, including personal care, food, hemp CBD, consumer textiles, and many others, is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Increasing research & development activities to develop new genetically enhanced industrial hemp products and variants capable of offering higher yields and improved product quality are expected to have a positive impact on commercial industrial hemp production.

Industrial Hemp Market Size & Trends Market Concentration & CharacteristicsTo learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

The cultivation of industrial hemp has been illegal for a number of years in many countries, necessitating complete re-establishment of the supply chain while achieving economies of scale. The profitability of hemp production is speculative at present and does not include additional costs of growing hemp in regulated markets such as the costs of licensing, monitoring, and verification. However, expansion of market opportunities with the liberalization of regulations on cultivation, processing, transportation, and the use of industrial hemp is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.

The market is expected to witness a low threat of substitutes owing to the presence of limited number of industrial hemp products that have characteristics similar to industrial hemp for use in different applications. However, products such as chia and flax seeds have nutritional value as high as hemp seeds. This is anticipated to result in moderate threat of substitution in the market.

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  • Competitive benchmarking
  • Historical data & forecasts
  • Company revenue shares
  • Regional opportunities
  • Latest trends & dynamics

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Market Dynamics

The global market growth is driven by the rising demand from industries, such as personal care, recycling, agriculture, automotive, textiles, furniture, food & beverage, paper, and construction materials. The increasing product usage in different end-use industries has resulted in increased cultivation and trading of hemp in the global market. China has emerged as a significant producer and exporter of industrial hemp followed by Canada and France. The increasing use of hemp in textile and medical applications is expected to significantly propel the demand for industrial hemp in the global market. However, the production of industrial hemp and its products faces several obstacles owing to the presence of stringent government drug policies and concerns about the impact these products on the illegal marijuana market.

The U.S. is heavily investing in developing different varieties of industrial hemp with THC content of less than 0.3% on account of the rising demand from different application industries. The Government of the U.S. announced a COVID-19 relief stimulus of USD 1.9 trillion in January 2021, which helped in the market recovery. Moreover, the steady growth of small market players in hemp-based industrial and consumer products is anticipated to drive the U.S. market over the forecast period.Growing awareness regarding the dietary advantages of hempseed and hempseed oil, along with high demand from the cosmetics and personal care industries, will support market growth. Rising production of soaps, shampoo, bath gels, hand and body lotions, UV skin protectors, massage oils, and a range of other hemp-based products is expected to have a major impact on market growth.

High nutritional values and beneficial fatty acid and protein profiles of hemp are driving the demand for hemp products. High absorbency of hemp fiber is beneficial for livestock bedding, oil & gas cleanup, and the personal hygiene market. In addition, increasing product demand in textile, paper, and building materials markets is growing owing to its favorable acoustic and aesthetic properties. The products manufactured from hemp are eco-friendly, renewable, and associated with less harmful methods of preparation. Paper produced from hemp fiber requires fewer chemicals for processing as compared to paper produced from wood pulps. Thus, the rising awareness about product benefits is projected boost market growth.

Product Insights

The hemp seeds product segment led the market and accounted for more than 29.97% revenue share of the global revenue in 2023. Hemp seeds are gaining popularity in food and nutraceutical markets to obtain seed, oil, and food matter. Rising use of hemp oil seed in lotions, shampoos, soaps, bath gels, and cosmetics, further benefits market growth. Hemp seeds are widely used in the production of oil, which is utilized in personal care, food & beverages, and animal feed industries. In addition, oil is used in nutritional supplements and medicinal & therapeutic products, such as pharmaceuticals. The market for seeds is expected to grow over the forecast period on account of rising demand from application industries.

Hemp fibers are used in paper, carpeting, home furnishing, construction materials, insulation materials, auto parts, and composites. Insulation materials and bio-composites consume a significant amount of hemp fibers on account of their lightweight, superior strength, biodegradability, and thermodynamic properties. Hemp shivs cost half the value of fibers and have several applications in different industries, which is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. Hemp shivs are majorly used in animal bedding materials on account of their high absorbance ability, which is around four times its dry weight.

Application Insights

The textile application segment led the market in 2023. Hemp fabric is strong, hypo-allergic, and naturally resistant to UV light, mold, and mildew, which represents an added advantage over other fabrics. In addition, it can be blended with cotton or linen, which adds stretch and strength to the fabric. Hemp seeds are rich in protein content and majorly used as birdseed and animal feed. Bird and fish feed are important markets for hemp seeds in animal nutrition. Fish and birds need fatty acids with a high share of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for optimum development, hence consume hemp seeds. Growing product demand in the animal care industry is likely to fuel overall market growth.

Global Industrial Hemp market share and size, 2022To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

Hemp oil is widely used in the manufacturing of food & beverages on account of its high nutritional content, including fatty acids, proteins, and several other ingredients. Several food manufacturing processes make use of hemp seeds and oil, which is expected to propel market growth. In addition, rising consumer awareness about the product’s benefits is likely to fuel market’s growth. This product is increasingly used in insulation and construction materials, such as fiberboard, cement blocks, putty, stucco and mortar, coatings, and other products as a fiberglass substitute. Construction materials using industrial hemp also include roofing underlay, acoustic materials, pipe wraps, house wraps, and shingles.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is one of the major consumers of industrial hemp and accounted for a revenue share of more than 33% in 2023. Economies, such as China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand, are actively involved in the production and consumption of industrial hemp and products, such as fiber, seed, hurds, and oil. Increasing global product demand along with advancing technologies and innovation are making harvesting easier for cultivators, thereby changing the face of hemp production in the region. Increasing consumption of hemp-based food products and supplements in developing economies with a growing geriatric population is expected to drive market growth.

Industrial Hemp Market Trends, by Region, 2024 - 2030To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

North America is a major product consumer. These products are consumed in different application industries. High consumer disposable income, growing aging population, and rising concerns related to skin diseases and UV protection are expected to drive the demand for hemp oil in the personal care industry in this region. Industrial hemp in Europe is majorly consumed in automotive parts, construction materials, textiles, and fabrics in the form of fibers. However, growing demand for hemp oil in the food & supplements, cosmetics, and personal care markets is expected to drive market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Industry players produce large-quantity and high-quality industrial hemp along with a wide range of variants, in terms of seed size and oil composition. Potential yields and processing methods, technologies used for processing, along with the cost of production and returns, play a major role in driving the competition in the industry. Industrial hemp companies are focusing on increasing product cultivation and processing facilities in economies where the plant can be grown legally. Major industry players are investing heavily in R&D activities to achieve high yields from cultivation. These players offer diverse varieties of hemp-derived products and can penetrate large markets.

  • In January 2023, HempMeds Brasil launched two new full-spectrum products. These new products were created to suit the new requirements of Brazilian doctors who intend to suggest it to their patients.
  • In October 2021, HempFlax Group announced an investment of about USD 3.2 million in the advancement of its Dutch headquarters. Out of this, about USD 1.9 million is to be spent on machinery improvements, which is expected to double the hemp fiber processing capacity from 3 tons per hour to 6 tons per hour. The upgrades are expected to allow the company to reduce its operational period from 24 to 16 hours per day, lowering energy consumption while improving productivity.

Key Industrial Hemp Companies:

  • Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Cooperative Ltd.
  • CBD Biotechnology Co.
  • Botanical Genetics, LLC
  • Marijuana Company of America Inc.
  • HempMeds Brasil
  • Terra Tech Corp.
  • American Cannabis Company, Inc.
  • HempFlax B.V.
  • Industrial Hemp Manufacturing, LLC
  • American Hemp
  • Hemp, Inc.
  • Boring Hemp Company
  • Plains Industrial Hemp Processing Ltd.
  • Ecofiber Industries Operations
  • Valley Bio Limited

Industrial Hemp Market Report Scope

Report Attribute Details
Market size value in 2024 USD 6.3 billion
Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 16.82 billion
Growth rate CAGR of 17.5% from 2024 to 2030
Historical data 2018 – 2023
Forecast period 2024 – 2030
Quantitative units Volume in tons, revenue in USD million/billion, and CAGR from 2024 to 2030
Report coverage Volume forecast, revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends
Segments covered Product, Source, application, and region
Regional scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Central & South America; Middle East & Africa
Country scope U.S.; Canada; Germany; U.K.; France; China; India; Japan; Brazil
Key companies profiled Parkland Industrial Hemp Growers Cooperative Ltd.; CBD Biotechnology Co.; Botanical Genetics, LLC; Marijuana Company of America Inc.; HempMeds Brasil; Terra Tech Corp.; American Cannabis Company, Inc.; HempFlax B.V.; Industrial Hemp Manufacturing, LLC; American Hemp; Hemp, Inc.; Boring Hemp Company; Plains Industrial Hemp Processing Ltd.; Ecofiber; Industries Operations; Valley Bio Ltd.
Customization scope Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope
Pricing and purchase options Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

 

Global Industrial Hemp Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts volume & revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the industrial hemp market report based on product, source,application, and region:

Global Industrial Hemp Market Report SegmentationTo learn more about this report, request a free sample copy

  • Product Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)
    • Seeds
    • Fiber
    • Shivs
  • Source Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 – 2030)
    • Conventional
    • Organic
  • Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)
    • Animal Care
    • Textiles
    • Automotive
    • Furniture
    • Food & Beverages
    • Paper
    • Construction Materials
    • Personal Care
    • Other
  • Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)
    • North America
      • U.S.
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • Europe
      • UK
      • Germany
      • France
      • Spain
      • Italy
      • The Netherlands
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Australia
      • New Zealand
    • Central & South America
      • Brazil
    • Middle East & Africa

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