by
Paul
BenhaimThe new industrial approach to hemp and flax fibre extraction is
known as total fibre processing. The aim is to develop low cost,
pollution free, fast and efficient cultivation and processing
technologies to enable flax and hemp fibres to compete with other
fibres in modern industrial markets. BioFibres Ltd currently head
this field in the UK.
Hemp
–
A
Solution
to
more
than
the
World’s
Nutritional
Problems?
It is an exaggeration to say that hemp can increase the strength,
nutrition or properties of everything. There is no such substance
on earth, that we currently know of, that can potentially have this
effect. However, there are certain plants, minerals and fossil fuels
that have proved to have of use in many industries, hemp being
realized as one of them. Enough studies have been completed
now to warrant future research and implementation of hemp into
various industries.
The paper industry sees the long-term use of hemp, not to
produce 100% tree free hemp paper, but to substitute a significant
percentage of currently used materials. This can make the paper
stronger, last longer and be more suitable for long-term
sustainable production. The non-woven industry has found a use
for hemp along with flax and jute, two remarkably similar crops, in
production for fibre boards, insulation material, plant pot liners and
mulch mats. Hemp is a competitive addition, working to strengthen
such materials, increase absorbency and offer a controlled level of
biodegradability.
Animal bedding was possibly the most lucrative industry
hemp played a major part in, during the late 20th century. Hemp
has a wonderful level of absorbency suitable to the market. The