Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in the world. It's cheap, durable, and versatile, making it an essential component of many products we use daily. However, the negative impact of traditional plastics on the environment cannot be ignored. This is where bioplastics come in as an alternative solution. Hemp bioplastic, in particular, has been gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional plastics, thanks to its many benefits. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of hemp bioplastic.
Read more: What are bioplastics made from? Materials to make bioplastics
1. What is hemp bioplastic?
Hemp bioplastic is a type of biodegradable plastic made from hemp fibers, which has a sufficiently high cellulose concentration in manufacturing polymers. Specifically, it is made of lipids and cellulose found in the stalk and seeds of hemp plants.
The resulting material is fully biodegradable and recyclable. It can then be processed into various products, including packaging, consumer goods, automotive parts, and more conventional plastics.
Bioplastics from hemp can be produced by extracting cellulose from the stalks and fibers of hemp and converting it into a polymer that can be molded into various shapes and forms. Hemp bioplastics can be processed using existing equipment and techniques, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution for plastic manufacturers and users.
2. The pros and cons of hemp bioplastic
2.1. Advantages of hemp bioplastic
Safe composition: The ENE chemicals such as toluene and benzene, the most toxic derivatives of plastics made from hydrocarbons, are not found in hemp.
Biodegradability and compostability: One of the most significant benefits of hemp bioplastic is its biodegradability. Unlike traditional plastic, which takes centuries to decompose, this plastic can biodegrade within six months to a year, depending on the environmental conditions. This means it won't contribute to the growing plastic pollution problem in the environment.
Renewable: Hemp is a fast-growing crop that can be quickly replenished. This makes hemp plastic a more sustainable option than traditional plastic made from non-renewable resources like oil.
Low carbon footprint: Producing hemp-based bioplastics requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gasses than traditional plastic. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative.
Energy-efficient production: Hemp bioplastic can be produced with a lower energy requirement than traditional plastics. This is because the production process of hemp bioplastic requires lower temperatures and less pressure, which means it requires less energy to produce. Delivering hemp plastic also uses 22-45% less energy than non-renewable energy source-based products.
Durable and lightweight: Plastic made from hemp is as durable as traditional plastic. It is also light as well as featuring a high density-to-weight ratio. This property enables it to be utilized in aerospace to reduce weight on large structures and manufacture products such as car parts, packaging, and toys.
Promotes sustainable agriculture: Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires minimal water and fertilizer. Using hemp as a raw material for bioplastic, we can encourage sustainable agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
2.2. Disadvantages of hemp bioplastic
Limited availability: Hemp bioplastic is still a relatively new material and needs to be widely available in the market. This can make switching to hemp as a raw material challenging for businesses.
Production cost: Hemp-based bioplastics are currently more expensive than traditional plastics. This cost difference is mainly due to the limited availability of hemp as a raw material and its relatively high processing cost.
Recycling challenges: Although hemp bioplastic is biodegradable, it can be challenging to recycle if the material is mixed with some additives to enhance its quality. This is because hemp bioplastic requires a specific composting process, and not all recycling facilities have the necessary infrastructure to compost bioplastics.
Short shelf life: Bioplastics from hemp have a shorter shelf life than traditional plastics. It is more prone to degradation and can break down faster when exposed to heat and moisture.
3. How are hemp-based bioplastics made?
How to make hemp bioplastic? Hemp-based bioplastics are made from the fibers of the hemp plant. The process of making hemp bioplastics involves several steps, including:
Step 1: Harvesting and Extracting
The first step is to harvest the hemp plant and extract cellulose from hemp fibers, stalks, or seeds. This process can be done by pulping hemp plants.
Step 2: Preparing
The cellulose extracted is soaked in acid to break down its structure and preserve it from turning into organic sugars. Then, it is soaked in water and chemicals to get rid of acids and prepare for the following process.
Step 3: Producing hemp bioplastic
Hemp cellulose is mixed with plasticizers and plastic additives to enhance the final product properties. The mixture then goes under heat pressure treatment to produce the hemp bioplastic desired.
The exact process of making hemp bioplastics may vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended use of the final product.
4. The future of hemp bioplastics
Using hemp bioplastics can have a significant positive impact on the environment. Industrial hemp requires less water and fewer pesticides than traditional crops, making it a more sustainable option for producing bioplastics. Additionally, since bioplastics from hemp are biodegradable, they do not contribute to the pollution of oceans and landfills, which can have long-term consequences for the health of our planet.
Hemp bioplastics offer a positive future for plastic manufacturers and consumers alike. We can reduce our reliance on petroleum-based plastics by choosing hemp-based bioplastics and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Choosing hemp bioplastics is beneficial for the environment and can also be an intelligent business decision. With consumers becoming more conscious of their environmental impact, offering products made from sustainable materials like hemp bioplastics can attract environmentally conscious customers and help differentiate your brand from competitors.
Overall, the pros of hemp bioplastic outweigh the cons. Its biodegradability, renewability, versatility, strength, and cost-effectiveness make it a promising alternative to traditional plastic. However, it is essential to note that this bioplastic is not a perfect solution, and there are still some barriers to its adoption. As we continue searching for more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic, hemp bioplastic should be considered a viable option.
Please contact EuroPlas to have questions about the product answered or if you have specific needs for your next project.