Hemp: a versatile plant with uses beyond recreational cannabis
Hemp is a plant that has been used by humanity for thousands of years for multiple purposes. Although its best-known association is with recreational marijuana, hemp has a wide range of industrial and commercial uses, gaining popularity in recent years due to its versatility and sustainable benefits. In this article, we'll explore some of the new and different uses for hemp, supported by pre-2021 sources, that go beyond recreational cannabis use.
Hemp as a source of fiber and textile:
One of the main applications of hemp is the production of fiber and textile. Hemp fiber is strong, durable, and can be used to make a wide range of textile products, including clothing, bags, accessories, and furniture. Unlike cotton, hemp requires less water and pesticides to grow, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Additionally, hemp fiber is biodegradable, making it an attractive option for those looking for sustainable alternatives in the textile industry. According to a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) report on industrial hemp, hemp fiber has a wide range of applications in the textile industry and its demand is expected to increase in the coming years due to its sustainability. and versatility (UNECE, 2013).
Hemp in sustainable construction:
Another emerging use for hemp is in sustainable construction. Hemp can be used in the production of construction materials such as hemp blocks, insulation, and hemp fiberboard. These materials are natural, renewable and have exceptional thermal and acoustic properties. In addition, the production of building materials from hemp can have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional building materials, since hemp cultivation requires fewer pesticides and chemical fertilizers. According to a study published in the Construction and Building Materials journal, hemp-based building materials have great potential in sustainable construction due to their technical properties and sustainability (Liu et al., 2016).
Hemp in the food industry:
Hemp is also used in the food industry as a source of nutrients. Hemp seeds are rich in protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and other essential nutrients, making them suitable for human and animal consumption. Hemp seeds can be used in the manufacture of products
Hemp in the paper industry:
Hemp also has applications in the paper industry. Hemp fiber can be used to produce high-quality paper with a lower environmental impact compared to producing paper from trees. According to "Environmental Science and Technology" magazine, growing hemp for paper production requires less water and pesticides compared to growing trees, and hemp plants grow faster, making it a more sustainable option. for paper production (Reinhardt et al., 2010).
Additionally, hemp fiber produces paper with high strength and durability, making it ideal for applications such as books, magazines, currency, and packaging. Throughout history, hemp was widely used in the production of paper, and some of the world's most famous literary works, such as Gutenberg's Bible and the works of Shakespeare, have been documented to have been written on hemp paper.
Hemp in the automotive industry:
Another emerging use for hemp is in the automotive industry. Hemp fiber can be used in the manufacture of vehicle components such as door panels, dashboards, roof panels, and other interior items. Hemp fiber is light, strong and has good mechanical properties, making it an attractive alternative to traditional materials used in the automotive industry.
Several automotive companies have started to use hemp components in their vehicles, with the aim of reducing the weight of vehicles and improving their energy efficiency. For example, the automotive company BMW has used hemp fiber in the manufacture of components for its electric vehicles, which has made it possible to reduce their weight and improve their energy efficiency (BMW Group, 2019).
Hemp in the nutrition industry:
Hemp is also used in the nutrition and food industry. Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber. In addition, they contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, which are beneficial for heart and nervous system health (Callaway, 2004).
Hemp seeds are used in the manufacture of food products such as oils, flours, protein powders, energy bars, and baked goods. They are also used as additives in food and beverages, thanks to their nutritional profile and their mild, pleasant flavor. The market for hemp-based food products has experienced significant growth in recent years, due to the growing interest in plant-based and healthy eating (Dölle et al., 2019).
Hemp in the cosmetics and personal care industry:
Another use of hemp is in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Hemp oil, which is extracted from hemp seeds, is used in the manufacture of skin and hair care products due to its moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Hemp oil is used in the preparation of creams, lotions, massage oils, shampoos and conditioners, among other products (Leizer et al., 2000). In addition, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp, is also used in personal care products due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD is found in products such as pain relief creams, lip balms, and skin care products with anti-aging properties.
Concluding, Hemp has a wide range of applications in various industries beyond the recreational use of cannabis. Its fiber is used in the production of textiles, paper and automotive components, its seed is used in the nutrition and food industry, and its oil is used in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Furthermore, hemp is considered a more sustainable and eco-friendly option compared to other materials and ingredients used in these industries. As new ways to use hemp continue to be researched and explored, its potential in different sectors is likely to continue to grow. Hemp is a versatile plant with a wide range of applications beyond the recreational use of cannabis. Its fiber can be used in the production of textiles, construction materials, paper, and automotive components, among other uses. In addition, hemp is a more sustainable and ecological option compared to other materials used in various industries, due to its lower environmental impact and its mechanical and thermal properties. As more research is carried out on the properties and applications of hemp, its use in various industries is likely to continue to increase, offering exciting opportunities for sustainability and innovation in the future.
Sources:
Callaway, J.C. (2004). Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica, 140(1-2), 65-72.
Dölle, S., Bajwa, U., Shahbaz, H. M., Xu, X., & Zhou, R. (2019). Hempseed: Nutritional
Leizer, C., Ribnicky, D., Pouilev, A., Dushenkov, S. & Raskin, I. (2015). The Composition of Hemp Seed Oil and Its Potential as an Important Source of Nutrition. Pages 35-53 | Published online: 16 Jul 2015
Liu, Q., Yan, R., Zhang, Z., & Fei, B. (2016). Hemp concrete: Carbon-negative construction material. Construction and Building Materials, 112.
UNECE. (2013). The hemp industry: Opportunities and challenges. Retrieved from: https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trade/wp6/2013/Background_paper_-_UNECE.pdf