Bioplastic, including hemp bioplastic, aren’t as widely used as they should be.
A survey using a sample of individuals from 42 countries, primarily in Europe and Asia, revealed that while many people understand the basics of bioplastic, adoption remains low.
Key reasons for this low adoption?
Limited availability, high cost, and most importantly, the lack of awareness.
So, the first step to make any tangible environmental impact with hemp bioplastic is to build awareness.
Why is hemp bioplastic worth knowing about?
Take a moment to look around. Chances are, there’s plastic within arm’s reach.
The case of your phone. The pen on your desk. The bottle of water you just opened. The phone or laptop you are using to read also has plastic in it.
Well, plastic is so deeply ingrained in our daily lives that a world without it is impossible.
Alternatives are available.
Yes. But think about it: You wake up, and the first thing you need? A toothbrush. Replacing it with bamboo might sound eco-chic. But what about the bristles? They’d still be made of plastic.
This is just one example. Everything you touch and use has plastic. So if a keyboard warrior on the Internet tells you to ‘Stop Using Plastic’, here’s what you need to remember: the problem isn’t plastic itself.
It’s the type of plastic we use and how we dispose of it. Instead of saying “no” to all plastics, the smarter move is to say “yes” to better alternatives. That’s where hemp bioplastic enters the conversation.
There are many benefits of hemp bioplastic. They are sustainable, plant-based, strong, versatile, and most importantly, biodegradable. That’s all we’ve been looking for in a planet-friendly material. Yet, not many people know about it. That’s why it is important to be aware of the alternative.
Let us walk you through the 5 facts about hemp bioplastic that everyone should know.
1. Hemp bioplastic is not entirely new
Here’s a fun historical nugget: hemp bioplastic has been around longer than you might think. Back in 1941, Henry Ford, the automobile pioneer, built a car that used hemp bioplastic and ran on hemp fuel.
Henry Ford, and with him the hemp car prototype that also ran using hemp fuel
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This car wasn’t just innovative; it was ahead of its time. Reports even claim that the bioplastic panels were so strong that they could withstand hammer blows without denting.
Fast forward to today, and hemp bioplastic are making a quiet comeback. Bruce Dietzen created a prototype of Ford’s hemp car which was featured on the Emmy-winning series Jay Leno’s Garage in 2017.
Bruce Dietzen is the CEO, Designer, and Founder of Renew Sports Cars in Key West, Florida and the Chief Innovation Officer of Vexen Motors. Both these companies are on a mission to develop carbon-neutral vehicles.
Jay Leno with the hemp car prototype developed by Bruce Dietzen
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Check out CNBC’s news coverage about the episode here.
While the uses of hemp bioplastic aren’t popular yet, industries like packaging, textiles, and even aerospace are also starting to take notice.
2. Hemp bioplastic is stronger than steel
Hemp bioplastic is not only sustainable, but is also incredibly strong. In fact, the thinnest hemp bioplastic can be 17 times stronger than the weakest steel and even stronger than the toughest steel.
This surprising strength comes from hemp’s high cellulose content, which makes up 70-80% of the plant. Cellulose is a key component that gives hemp its durability, making it perfect for creating tough materials.
This strength opens up exciting possibilities, especially in industries like construction and automotive. Imagine car panels made from hemp-based bioplastic—lightweight, yet as sturdy as steel.
Such innovations could improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and pave the way for more sustainable, eco-friendly solutions in the future.
3. Hemp bioplastic is UV-resistant
One of the biggest drawbacks of many biodegradable materials is that they break down too quickly under harsh conditions. Hemp bioplastic, however, comes with a natural advantage: UV resistance.
This means they can withstand sunlight without degrading or losing their structural integrity.
Why does this matter? Think outdoor furniture, car dashboards, or packaging left in the sun. When they are made from hemp bioplastic, these items can last longer while still being environmentally friendly. It’s a win-win.
Plus, hemp bioplastic also has excellent UV resistance. This means they last longer without breaking down. This reduces the need for harmful chemical additives that are often used in regular plastics, making hemp bioplastic a much cleaner option.
With these benefits, hemp bioplastic could transform industries that rely on durable, eco-friendly materials (like packaging, automotive, and even outdoor products.)
4. Hemp bioplastic is already in use
Hemp bioplastic isn’t some futuristic concept. It’s already being used.
Major automotive giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have incorporated hemp-based composites in their vehicle interiors.
For example, BMW’s i3 electric car features hemp-based interior panels.
Some companies are developing hemp-based bioplastic filaments for 3D printing.
Hemp 3D printing filament
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Research is underway to explore hemp bioplastic as a sustainable alternative for medical devices and equipment.
The uses of hemp bioplastic aren’t restricted to high-end, fancy applications. Here are some day-to-day uses of hemp bioplastic:
- Industrial pouches
- Agricultural mulch film
- Stretch film
- Biohazard bags
- Sambhar pouches
- Pet poop bags
- Zipper bags
- Grocery bags
- Courier bags
- Garbage/Dustbin bags
- Shrink wraps
5. Hemp bioplastic still faces regulatory challenges
While hemp is legal for industrial use in many places, the regulatory landscape still poses challenges. From cultivation to production, farmers often face strict regulations on hemp farming, which can limit the availability of raw materials for manufacturers. Additionally, the lack of standardized practices in hemp bioplastic production makes it difficult to scale operations efficiently.
However, there’s progress being made. As more industries embrace hemp’s potential for bioplastic, textiles, food, and other uses, regulations are gradually evolving to support wider adoption.
The path to widespread use of hemp bioplastic
Hemp bioplastic has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about plastic. But before they can become a household name, there’s work to be done. The first step? Awareness. That’s why it’s crucial to spread the word about hemp and its benefits.
At Hemp Foundation, we understand hemp, how to grow it, how to use it, and how it can make an impact. That’s why we also advocate open conversations about hemp. We use our reach on the Internet (and offline) to spread knowledge. And we support sustainable hemp production too.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog for the latest insights about hemp plastic, growing hemp and how hemp helps.