The Diverse Industries Where Hemp Finds Use

The Diverse Industries Where Hemp Finds Use
Hemp might be the only plant in the world that finds use in a mind-boggling variety of fields. Yes, we know it is a super food and it helps keep our mind and body healthy. But did you know hemp can be used to make paper, textiles, paint, bio fuel and a whole lot more. The best part is that it is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative. So, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call it a super or wonder plant.

A key factor that differentiates hemp from other plants and allows it to find application in so many industries, is in its composition. Hemp is rich in both fibre and protein, more so than other plants. The cellulose quantity is very high as well. This makes the fibre of the plant very strong and flexible, and it can be wound together to create a very durable twine, rope or even string. Cloth woven out of this is hardy and it can be used to make sacks and canvas. Though not always easy to dye, a special process can be used to give hemp fabric a lustrous white colour. This textile finds use in making clothing and furnishings.

So, next time you are shopping for a new shirt for yourself or a rug for your living room, why not look into getting one made out of hemp? Imagine a world without plastic-filled dumps? If only you had the choice to say no to plastic products that can never decompose. There just might be an alternative. Hemp fibre can also be used to make bioplastics that are recyclable and biodegradable. You could even stop cutting down forests to produce paper, thanks to hemp. As a natural substitute for wood fiber, hemp can be pulped using fewer chemicals because of its low lignin content and finds place in the paper making industry.

A house made of hemp

Did you know hemp can be used to build your house as well? A composite material made of hemp and a lime binder, called hempcrete, can be used similarly to traditional concrete in non-load-bearing applications. Hemp shives — small pieces of wood from the stalk of the plant — are mixed with either lime or cement to create a durable, eco-friendly building material. Not only that, hemp can also be used to make fibreglass which is used in the automobile industry and as insulation in buildings.


The never ending uses of hemp

Hemp seed oil, as we have written before, is good for your skin, heart, immunity and so much more. But did you know it can also be used to make biofuel? While it is still in its nascent stages, testing and experimentation is going into this and one day we may be able to go to the fuel station and fill our vehicles with hemp-based biofuel. Read about the wonders of hemp seed oil here.

The potential hemp wields is massive and this hasn't gone unnoticed. Many multinational companies are getting on it. BMW, Mercedes and Audi utilise hemp-based additives in making their cars. Fashion houses have used hemp fabric in their designs and even sports brands incorporate it in their products. The applications are endless.

What makes the Hemp plant a renewable and sustainable option?

First off, hemp is very good for the environment. It requires minimal water and no pesticides. It gives back to the soil by replenishing nutrients. The roots of the hemp plant reduce soil erosion and it can be replanted on the same land many times. It is used as a rotation crop, to improve soil health between growing other crops. It is also a high-yield crop– making it very profitable for farmers to grow.

As there is increased legalization of hemp and its products, more research is being done into the plant and innovative uses are being discovered. It truly is an exciting time for hemp and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. You already know that hemp finds great use in consumable products as there are many ways to use hemp in food. Check out our lineup, here.
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