Versatility now industrial hemp’s selling point

Hemp is a raw material that can be used in manufacturing almost every industrial product. It is also an easy and cheap plant to grow as it does not require a large piece of land and herbicides. Hemp finally found its way back to the market in the 1980s. Other industrial raw materials such as cotton and trees have already gained popularity, making it hard for hemp to regain its own popularity.

Hemp is a raw material that is used in manufacturing. It is also an easy and cheap plant to grow as it does not require a large piece of land and herbicides. 

Hemp grows faster and can tolerate extreme climatic conditions. By comparison, other crops like cotton can only do well in moderate climatic conditions. This makes hemp a profitable crop to grow.

Hemp’s history

The fact that hemp is gaining popularity recently does not mean it was only discovered yesterday.

Hemp finally found its way back to the market in the 1980s. However, other industrial raw materials such as cotton and trees have already gained popularity, making it hard for hemp to regain its spot as a leading industrial raw material. 

Now, the world is changing its perception of hemp once again as seen by the increasing legalization of hemp and cannabis in various countries. In the United States, for example, the 2018 Farm Bill decriminalized hemp at a federal level, an important step in reviving the industrial use of hemp.

Hemp is a strain of cannabis sativa and grown for industrial purposes. However, it has a low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. This makes hemp effective for various uses including being used for protein. Hemp is also used to produce cosmetic products, beverages, building materials, wood varnish, and animal feed. 

Hemp as an industrial raw material

Estimates predict hemp’s market value to reach $10.6 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 14 percent. Hemp is slowly replacing other raw materials such as cotton, wool, petroleum with its unique ability to produce a wide variety of industrial products alongside its eco-friendly nature, placing it as the next big thing in sustainable development.

Hemp for textile

Aside from being softer than cotton, hemp textiles are twice as durable, making it economical. Growing hemp also only needs one acre of land on an annual basis, which can yield the same amount of fiber that cotton produces on two to three acres of land.

Hemp for paper

Hemp produces all types of paper, writing materials, toilet paper, cardboard, among others. The only difference between paper made from hemp and normal paper made from trees is quality. Paper made from hemp lasts for several years, having a long shelf life.

Biofuel from hemp

Hemp has also found its way in the fuel space. Its seed oil contains a large amount of biomass than any other plant species, making it the best option for producing quality ethanol oil for vehicles. Ethanol oil made from hemp is environment-friendly.

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