The environmental impact of petroleum based plastics continues to increase, especially with their use as packaging in food, beverage, and consumer goods. Materials science has developed a new alternative. Hemp-based plastic. Researchers in the United States have discovered a material derived from hemp that is comparable or superior to conventional plastics for its malleability and stretch. It also maintains its integrity when it’s exposed to boiling hot water. This material is a good option for packaging, specialty products and other applications.
Development of a High Performance Hemp Based Plastic
This research highlights the importance of ForbesThe focus of the study is a novel substance derived from CBD oil in low grade. Gregory Sotzing is a professor of chemistry at the University of Connecticut, and also one of the authors of the research. He noted that the material has remarkably good performance. The polymer was derived from non-food crops, which mitigates concerns that agricultural resources will be diverted from food production. This criticism is often leveled at other bio-based material.
A scientific study has found that hemp-derived alternatives have several properties which make them attractive to industrial uses:
- The stretch and malleability: Plastics are able to stretch and shape it in a similar way to or sometimes better than conventional materials, allowing for more flexibility during manufacturing.
- Thermal Durability: It is suitable for heat resistant applications.
- Sustainability Sourcing This product is made of low-grade CBD, a hemp by-product that adds economic value to hemp farming and helps reduce waste.
Benefits for the Environment and Economy
This hemp-based material has significant environmental advantages compared to its petroleum counterparts. Sotzing explained how, unlike other plastics that are commonly used, hemp-based materials do not cause toxicity to soil or water. He explained that, “when this material degrades, like hemp CBD”, it will naturally degrade over time without any harmful effects on the environment. This is in stark contrast with the microplastic pollution caused by fossil fuel derived materials.
Its potential for creating a true circular economy is also notable, as it allows for advanced recycling. The hemp-based packaging can be reused, unlike the conventional plastics that are rarely recycled. Sotzing emphasized the “upcycling potential” by stating: “Because these plastics are made from CBD, you can upcycle it and sell it to convert it back into CBD oil.” Further, Sotzing suggested this could be a cheaper alternative to extracting CBD straight from the plant.
Scaling up Production for Future Market Entry
Although the findings of the research are positive, a large increase in the cultivation of industrial hemp will be required to make the plastic cost-competitive for mass applications. Sotzing founded PolyC Plastics and Composites specifically to take this material from research to the marketplace.
Initial applications for hemp-based polymers are expected to include high-end medical implant products that require durable specialty materials. Sotzing believes that niche applications will be the entry-point for this hemp-based plastic due to its higher value before wider applications such as consumer packaging are economically feasible. The CEO said, “This stuff is new,” and noted that nobody else had previously shown a thermoplastic polymer derived from non-food sources that was a high temperature. The strategic plan acknowledges current costs while setting the foundation for expansion in the future as industrial hemp production increases and processing efficiency improves. It builds on previous coverage on hemp plastics, and their potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels derivatives.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Hemp Gazette makes no medical diagnoses or recommendations. Before making decisions about your health, or any condition that may affect it, always consult with a medical professional. Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia has not evaluated statements about the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoid products, hemp or cannabis. TGA regulates the access to medical cannabis in Australia.