Warehousing is something we, regular civilians, are so far removed from that we don’t realise what is going on. The Amazon package you received a couple of days ago? Say thanks to the vast network of warehouses that are working to deliver it to you.
According to Statista, there were approximately 151 thousand warehouses in the world in 2020. Now imagine the amount of plastic held within these warehouses. Frankly, it is unimaginable.
This is why many warehouses are now looking at green logistics materials to help them decrease their carbon footprint. Read on to learn how hemp stretch film can lead to reduced plastic in storage & warehousing.
The rise of sustainability in warehousing: how hemp stretch film fits in
Sustainability in warehousing is now a major focus for the logistics industry. This shift is driven by growing environmental awareness and stricter regulations. A change for the better is that hemp plastic is being used as a green alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
Growth in Demand for Sustainable Warehousing
In 2023, the demand for warehousing and light manufacturing spaces reached 39 million square feet. Projections show that this demand could grow to 61.5 million square feet by 2026, a 16.6% increase. This growth reflects the rising need for sustainable operations across industries.
Warehousing operations contribute about 11% of the logistics sector’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This means businesses have to work hard to adopt greener practices. Their overall environmental impact must reduce.
Hemp-Based Packaging Film: A Sustainable Solution
Hemp plastic film is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films in warehousing and logistics. Here’s why
Biodegradability: Hemp plastic films break down naturally. This reduces the waste burden on landfills.
Strength: Hemp plastic films are stronger than traditional plastics and more environmentally friendly. This makes them ideal for various sustainable warehouse packaging needs.
Market Adoption: As businesses seek greener packaging options, the use of hemp-based products is expected to grow. This shift will contribute to broader sustainability goals within the warehousing sector.
Differences between hemp stretch film & plastic
Several key differences between hemp stretch film & its plastic counterpart exist.
|
Factor |
Hemp Stretch Film |
Plastic Stretch Film |
|
Composition |
It is made from biodegradable natural fibres. This biodegradable stretch film often contains biopolymers as well. |
It is typically made of synthetic materials like low-density polyethylene. |
|
Mechanical Properties |
It generally has lower stretchability when compared to plastic films. But it is usually stronger than the latter. The positive here is that hemp stretch film can be reinforced with other materials to improve its mechanical properties. |
It is very elastic. This property makes it a popular choice for tightly securing items. And there is no risk of tearing the film. |
|
Environmental Impact |
It is compostable and can biodegrade in as little as 6 months. This makes it an eco-friendly warehouse solution. |
It has a high environmental impact by filling up landfills. |
|
Application |
Hemp-based packaging film is suitable for eco-conscious businesses. You can use it for food packaging. |
Plastic film has a wide range of uses in warehouses. These include – securing pallet loads, protecting them from moisture, and more. |
|
Cost Considerations |
It is more expensive than conventional film. |
It is a more cost-effective product which is also widely available. |
The pros & cons of hemp films for packaging
Pros of Hemp Plastic Film
- Biodegradability: Hemp plastic can decompose within six months to a year under proper conditions. This is far quicker than conventional plastics which can take hundreds of years to break down.
- Low Carbon Footprint: Producing hemp bioplastics uses less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases. This makes it a greener option.
- Renewable Resource: Hemp grows quickly, needs little water or fertilizer, and supports sustainable farming. It is a good raw material for bioplastics.
- Safe Composition: Hemp plastics are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, often found in conventional plastics. This makes it safer for both the consumers and the environment.
- Durable and Lightweight: Hemp plastic matches conventional plastic in durability and has a high density-to-weight ratio. This makes it ideal for packaging and automotive uses.
- Promotes Sustainable Practices: Using hemp supports eco-friendly farming. It also reduces our usage of fossil fuels.
Cons of Hemp Plastic Film
- Recycling Challenges: Yes, hemp plastic is compostable. But it can be hard to recycle if mixed with other materials. They may also need specialized composting facilities.
- Shorter Shelf Life: Hemp-based products have a shorter shelf life. This can limit their suitability for long-term storage.
- Production Limitations: The current production infrastructure for hemp plastics is not very advanced. This affects scalability and efficiency.
Challenges for hemp stretch film in warehousing
Hemp stretch film faces several challenges that could decelerate its usage and effectiveness. Here are the key challenges hemp plastic faces.
Challenges
Higher Production Costs: Hemp stretch film is more expensive to produce than conventional plastic film. This is because hemp has a higher raw material and processing cost. Because of this, cost-conscious warehouses often look the other way. Especially considering cheaper alternatives are easier to get.
Limited Availability: The market for hemp-based products is still developing. Because there is a limited supply, there are also sourcing challenges. This can hinder large-scale adoption in various industries.
Performance Issues: Hemp stretch film still has to catch up to traditional films in terms of stretchability and load stability. Problems such as film breakage and inconsistent stretching reduce efficiency in warehousing operations.
Recycling and Disposal Concerns: Although biodegradable, hemp films lack widespread composting or recycling infrastructure. This can make proper disposal unclear, diminishing some of their environmental benefits.
Market Education: Many businesses are unaware of the benefits of hemp stretch film. They also lack knowledge about its correct application. This gap can lead to improper use and limit its effectiveness.
Despite these challenges, it is encouraging to note that there are many laws today that promote the use of hemp alternatives. This poses a promising outlook for hemp manufacturers. But, the benefits outweigh the negatives. This means hemp can become the next big thing in warehousing.