Plastic is an unavoidable substance that happens to be involved in our daily lives. But, here’s a question that triggers. What can be the best alternative for these non-biodegradable? There is a great solution to the damages that plastic causes and that is not to use the fossil fuel-based and replace it with hemp-based products.
Despite its availability, the non-renewable petrochemicals are in use. That being said, people actually fail to note that agricultural hemp has great potential that could help eliminate petrochemical products. In fact, it has been concluded to be a soil cleaner by climate scientists.
However, even though it has not been used widely, there are some common places where it’s being used for cars, common objects and more. But, there are some obstacles that could make it less flexible and rather more costly. Let’s find out more.
Plastic Pollution Harms Land and Water: Alternatives Required!
According to researchers from the Tasmania University, an uninhabited island in the South Pacific Region (Henderson Island) has collected plastic waste of over 38 million pieces. And, that happens to be just one island.
Plastic waste has been increasing the rate of global warming. Apart from that, it can cause harmful effects on humans and animals by passing through their food chains.
A marine scientist from the University of Tasmania, Jennifer Lavers, mentions that she’s visited many far distant islands. No matter where she visits, or at what time, she finds plastic pollution and garbage along the coast and in the ocean as well.
With respect to that, she further mentions that the ocean may even be in a worse condition, given the fact that microplastics exist. A report from National Geographic in the year of 2014, mentions that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is actually a whole pile is made of tiny microparticles. They are millions in number. To be precise, 1.9 million per square mile. These particles affect the marine life on a great scale.
Hemp Cellulose Fibres!
Sources from non-petroleum materials and organic material were known to produce cellulose fibres in early times when plastic was made. Sensi See’s writer, Seshata, in the year of 2014, mentions that hemp cellulose is useful for the production of rayon, cellophane, celluloid.
Seshata also mentions that hemp has 65% to 70% of cellulose. With respect to that, as wood has 40% of cellulose and having 90% of it in cotton, it is a good source that has less impact on the environment.
On the other hand, having a plastic of hemp-based with 100% of its quality is a rare gem. However, plastics made from plant sources combined with hemp are under production and use. Because of the strength of this plastic, it can be put to use for the productions of instruments, cars or boats.
Bioplastic Being Useful, May No Solve Overall Pollution!
As of now, the technology is not ready to produce hemp plastic materials even though advocates are hopeful about it. The majority of plastic products consist of Polyethylene, PET, Terephthalate and Polymer Resin. These compositions can be present in common materials like plastic bottles and more. Regardless the advocates are still hopeful to see hemp-based bottles in production.
The Coca-Cola industry farms plastic bottles that have 100% of plant extraction in them. But, the products that are available commercially, have only 30% of plant-based products. The rest of its sources come from fossil fuels. But, there is good news with respect to that.
As of now, many companies look forward to investing in researching materials that could replace the PET. The first company that does succeed in producing optimal products, would most likely earn millions and have a great impact as a change.
But, there is bad news, too. No matter how much the plastic product is biodegradable, it can still add to the pollution. That being said, the majority of products or nearly anything is difficult to biodegrade in soil. If the hemp plastics come in contact with the ocean, it could still hamper and cause pollution.
To be able to use biodegradable plastics, sources require the facilities that ensure effective disposal. That is not available in many places or to many people. If we seek alternatives to plastic, then more responsibility is necessary for terms of products that are disposable.
Hemp Barriers: Wars on Drug and Expenses!
The expenses of fossil fuels may be on the lower end. But, products of hemp may come in quite costly. In the year 2018, the production of hemp became legal in the United States once the research in hemp was giving beneficial signs. But, despite it being made legal, there is drug prohibition that comes in as an obstacle.
An infrastructure on producing it is necessary to make hemp plastic products. Even though its production requires fewer essentials like few pesticides and a few of their crops, it can still be intensive. In addition to that, Seshata mentions that hemp needs the use of many essential fertilizers. Along with that, hemp also needs a certain amount of water requirement.
But, words are that the price of hemp will likely reduce. With respect to that, the technology behind its production will increase and make it more widespread in coastal regions. As of now, in the United States, the majority of hemp is under production for Cannabidiol.
However, farmers have shown interest in experimenting hemp with other composites. The aim is to harvest fibre contents as much as possible with ease.
Hemp LEGOs and Its Future Use!
In the future, Hemp-based plastic products might come useful for LEGOs. Currently, LEGO’s composition holds fossil-fuel-based resins. Soon, the hemp will take over it by the year 2030.
According to a 2018 report from Sun-Times, Emily Gray Brosious mentioned, in terms of LEGO productivity, hemp might be a sustainable alternative. Because it’s in an environmental favour and also cost-effective.
In conclusion, as much as the production of hemp plastic is necessary and useful, the entire idea is still not within the range of certain parameters.
Hemp Plastic: Where to Get it From?
Here are some brands that are into hemp plastic production:
Green Spring Technologies
Green Spring Technologies is in association with producing hemp plastic products. These products are for use in many projects. Among those products, there are hemp plastic pens that have been used by authorities for the legalization of hemp.
SANA Packaging
SANA Packaging specializes in the manufacturer of hemp-based packaging content for cannabis that is legal. They’ve created containers and other materials simply made of hemp and all the plastic material that has been found in the ocean.
PF DesignLab
PF DeignLab focuses on making products using plastic and hemp. They also use 3D Printing technology to make many things and 3-D printed bicycle frames are one of them. The bicycle frame made of hemp plastic stands out in creation in the year 2019. It was a showcase at NoCo Hemp Expo.