A kind of bioplastic known as hemp plastic is created utilising the hemp plant’s fibres. As opposed to typical petroleum-based plastics, which are not biodegradable and can have a significant negative impact on the environment, this substance in contrary can save the environment.
According to Greenpeace, more than 200 kilogrammes of plastic are regularly dumped into the world’s seas and oceans, which is equivalent to more than 8 million tonnes of plastic garbage annually.
Furthermore, more than 1 million seabirds and north of 100,000 marine vertebrates pass on every year in light of the harm brought about by plastic, compound and oil waste to the marine climate.
Even while it might be challenging to totally eliminate plastic, there are safer alternatives that can be used in its place. The hemp plastic is one of these.
Plants also produce cellulose, which may be utilised to create organic, biodegradable plastic. The truth is that cellulose is the most common natural polymer on the earth. That is the method via which hemp turns into plastic.
Cellulose obtained from the hemp plant’s tail is used to make hemp plastic. There are several different types of hemp plastic, including plastic manufactured wholly of hemp and conventional plastics blended with hemp fibres.
Hemp is a plant that can let us relive the history of plastic and other materials. It is a clean, green, and renewable option. Additionally, it may eliminate the use of dirtying materials in the creation of goods in a variety of industries, including development, automobiles, style, planning, sports, and a great deal more.
Its cultivation also provides with three low-cost raw materials: the pulp, the fibre, and the seeds.
Reduced risk and better benefits
Hemp is used for more reasons than only the environment. It also improves the effectiveness and quality of the things that include it. For instance, hemp fibre has long been used to create surfboards instead of fibreglass since it makes them more lighter, more versatile, and safe, and gives them an exhilarating grasp and lightness.
Hemp plastic is recyclable and biodegradable, and it takes three to six months to break down. Additionally, this recyclable plastic may be recycled several times. Therefore, it doesn’t add to continuing pollution.
Hemp plastic is also resistant to heat. Incredible warm, UV, and multilayer solidity are provided by hemp plastic. Some varieties of hemp plastic are also fire resistant. Actually, hemp plastic is 2.5 times stronger than polypropylene (PP) plastic.
Endocrine disruptors, like BPA, which affect the endocrine or chemical structure of the human body, are present in conventional plastics. When BPA enters your body, it behaves like the chemical oestrogen, creating a hormonal imbalance that can promote the formation of dangerous tumours. Hemp plastic, in contrast, is non-toxic. It doesn’t contain dangerous endocrine disruptors, unlike polymers made from petroleum. Additionally, it does not emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere while being produced.
As a consequence, each year new hemp plastic technology developments hit the market. Even the most prominent motor companies today, including BMW, Mercedes, and Bugatti, include hemp polymers in their products. The most current Porsche model, the 718 Cayman GT4, for instance, has hemp fiberboards made by the Dutch company Hempflax.
A paper variant too
Humanity has used hemp paper as a mainstay since the dawn of time. The first paper ever manufactured was by the Chinese in 150 BC, and it was made completely of hemp. From then, the use of the hemp plant in paper-related goods expanded to other parts of the world.
Hemp paper is mostly produced in two different forms. The plant’s long bast fibres are used to make fibre paper, which yields a fragile and thin end product. Hemp stalk hurds is used to make pulp paper. This variety is excellent for everyday use since it is softer and simpler to manufacture.
The following are the advantages of using hemp in paper production:
Compared to wood, hemp is easier to turn into paper.
Converting hemp into paper uses fewer (and less harmful) chemicals.
Compared to wood paper, hemp paper is more robust.
Increased hemp paper production will reduce deforestation. Hemp may be sown every year, whereas trees must grow for several years before being harvested for paper.
All things considered, transitioning to produce more hemp paper than wood paper is a terrific approach to integrating more sustainable products into everyday life. Utilising a fresh and more sustainable pulp supply will also boost sustainability for wood paper producers.
Also Read Van Plestik: Recycling Plastic
