Hemp plastic isn’t a new concept. Henry Ford designed a car made from hemp plastic in 1942. Since then, there have been many advancements in the world of hemp plastic.
But 2024 was an especially exciting year for the hemp plastic industry.
- Companies across the globe launched new products.
- Agreements and deals were signed.
- Groundbreaking research was done.
- Manufacturing and processing plants were set up.
Al-in-all, hemp plastic often made headlines.
In this blog, we will walk you through the 10 key moments when hemp plastic captured the world’s attention.
Hemp Plastic News 1. Botanic Wellness Launched Hemp Plastic Straws
March 11, 2024
Botanic Wellness launched their eco-friendly bioplastic straws made with hemp. These straws are made with hemp byproducts and NuPlastiQ which is a plant-based resin. The straws aim to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels without sacrificing performance. The straws are also designed to be biodegradable in active, moist environments.
Hemp Plastic News 2. Harley-Davidson Reveals Electric Motorcycle Using Hemp-Based Parts
March 11, 2024
Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire division introduced the S2 Mulholland, an electric motorcycle with eco-plastic breakthroughs. The bike’s front and rear fenders, for example, are made from a hemp biocomposite. Weighing 432 pounds, the Mulholland offers a range of 121 miles.
Hemp Plastic News 3. Compostable Hemp Lamp Redefines Office Lighting
March 12, 2024
Norwegian design studio Snøhetta and Ateljé Lyktan have introduced the “Superdupertube”. It is an office lamp crafted from hemp bioplastic and sugarcane-derived PLA. This eco-conscious lighting solution updates a 1970s design. It replaces aluminum with sustainable materials, reducing CO2 emissions by over 50%. The lamp is compostable and comes with a modular design.
Hemp Plastic News 4. Ohio Hemp Company Signs Bioplastics Contract with Heartland
April 17, 2024
Source
Ohio Hemp Company’s hemp farm in Dayton, Ohio
The Ohio Hemp Company signed a deal with Heartland Industries to supply them with hemp. Heartland will use this hemp to produce bioplastics. This milestone highlights hemp’s rising demand. Plus, it promises sustainability, cost efficiency, and reduced carbon footprints.
Hemp Plastic News 5. Ukhi India Transforms India’s Agricultural Waste into Hemp-Based Bioplastics
May 27, 2024
Ukhi India is converting agricultural waste into compostable and biodegradable plastics in 2024. These eco-friendly and sustainable plastic alternatives are used for carry bags, bin liners, and packaging solutions. Sourced sustainably from local farmers in Uttarakhand, the hemp-based biopolymers decompose naturally and thus, reduce environmental impact. Ukhi India also revealed their plan to expand production and leverage renewable energy.
Hemp Plastic News 6. Renault Uses Hemp to Make 5 E-Tech Lighter and Greener
June 1, 2024
Renault’s new electric car, the 5 E-Tech, uses materials made with recycled plastic and hemp. These bio-composites cut CO2 emissions by 73% and reduce weight by 20%. Hemp is also used in a leather alternative for seats, lowering emissions even more. This shows Renault’s commitment to the environment while ensuring quality and performance.
Hemp Plastic News 7. Hemp-Based Packaging Plant Planned in Australia
July 12, 2024
Wandarra and PAPACKS are collaborating to start a hemp-based packaging plant in Australia. This initiative aims to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives derived from hemp. Using PAPACKS’ patented HempPulp technology, the partnership will produce biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
Hemp Plastic News 8. RENW Launches Plastic-Free Hemp Packaging in the U.S.
September 24, 2024
Source
A RENW worker overlooking the hemp-based packaging being manufactured.
RENW introduced sustainable, plastic-free packaging made from industrial hemp plastic. This packaging is targeted to industries like food, cosmetics, and retail. RENW also plans to build 10 facilities, which will create jobs and boost local economies. Such efforts will help brands switch to eco-friendly packaging without increasing costs.
Hemp Plastic News 9. Canadian Researchers Turn Hemp Waste into Bioplastics
October 24, 2024
Source
The photo above features Elizabeth Gillies, chemistry professor at the University of Western Ontario who let the tea,
University of Western Ontario scientists worked with CTK Bio Canada to make hemp plastic. CTK Bio Canada makes cosmetic packaging for companies like L’Oréal, Estée Lauder and Unilever. The team created special hemp plastic pellets that fit into CTK Bio’s existing factory setup.
Hemp Plastic News 10. Purdue University Launched Hemp Consortium to Develop Sustainable Products
October 30, 2024
Source
The photo above features Senay Simsek, the project’s lead investigator. (Photo courtesy: Purdue University)
Purdue University, Indiana, launched the Hemp Products Utilization Consortium (H-PUC). The goal of the consortium is to promote hemp and hemp plastic developments. The initiative focuses on agricultural trials, refining processing techniques, and scaling production. This will pave the way for sustainable alternatives in plastics and consumer goods.
Stay updated with hemp plastic headlines in 2025
Hemp plastic’s journey is only getting started. And 2024 has been a year of milestones. Each headline from the past year is a testament to hemp’s influence in the fight against pollution.
But 2025 is expected to be even better in terms of innovations in hemp-based plastics.
Want to stay ahead of the curve on hemp innovations and green materials headlines in 2025? Make sure to follow our blog. We’re dedicated to keeping you informed, inspired, and excited about the latest in hemp plastic.