As the push for sustainable packaging continues, more materials are being used to create innovative, environmentally friendly packaging. As manufacturers search for materials to replace fossil fuels, hemp plastics are getting a lot of attention. Here are some of the benefits the non-mind altering cousin of marijuana has.
What is hemp bioplastic?
Hemp plastic is a bioplastic made from the Cannabis Sativa plant’s cellulose, commonly referred to as hemp. Contrary to popular belief, hemp is not the same as marijuana; it contains less than 0.5 percent of THC. However, it has still gotten a bad rep because of its cousin marijuana. Hemp plastic comes in different types, from standard plastics reinforced with hemp fibers to those made from 100 percent hemp cellulose. Hemp infused plastics are the most common type of hemp packaging. They are stiffer and stronger than polypropylene and pose no health and safety risks.
It’s biodegradable
Most plastics come from petroleum byproducts, and they can take hundreds of years to decompose fully; however, this is only under the right conditions. Hemp bioplastic, on the other hand, is made from hemp cellulose, which is plant matter, meaning it is 100 percent biodegradable. Hemp plastic can fully decompose within 3 to 6 months, making hemp an excellent choice for single-use packaging.
Processing hemp requires less water
Other biodegradable materials can be used to make packaging; however, unlike wood or cotton, growing hemp requires half the amount of water. Even processing hemp consumes less water than cotton. The sustainability of any product factors in every aspect needed to process it, making hemp more viable than other natural materials.
Plastics make up an indispensable part of daily life. Because of their rampant use, they have become a significant contributor to pollution since most are made from non-biodegradable materials. However, this can change with the use of biodegradable materials such as hemp.