by
Paul
Benhaimplastics industry is now using hemp as an alternative to petro-
chemicals. Moulded products as diverse as pots, credit cards, car
parts and bowls can be made from sustainable and controlled
biodegradable materials. What we mean by ‘controlled
biodegradability’ is a material that can be produced to biodegrade
after one, five, 10 or 50 years – i.e. it will not fall apart! Expect
biodegradable, stronger and economically competitive products
offered to you very soon by organizations such as Hemp Plastics
(see resource section).
Hemp textiles have been made for centuries. They are
known to be strong, breathable and hard wearing with a truly
natural feel. With modern technology this does not mean that
hemp has to be the coarse material often associated with ropes
and sail materials. Only now, in the year 2000, Italian and Chinese
mills are starting to produce extraordinary quality materials. Mixes
with silk, lycra, fleece and wool (Australia) promise to offer the
public a new image for hemp in this field. It is worth nothing that
over the last decade many small companies have promoted hemp
fibre by selling less than quality materials. Produced by hand or by
technically outdated methods, such fabrics have proven to be of
far less superior quality than stated. That is the past. The future is
brighter.
Suffice to say that hemp’s use in food is already entering
mainstream markets. When produced correctly, and in conjunction
with such quality control organizations as the Hemp Food
Industries Association, the nutritional and functional qualities of
hemp stand out. The previously crunchy seed that has been
known to be ‘nice, but sticks between the teeth’ has now been
largely replaced by the soft and tasty hulled hemp seed. The
whole seed will never disappear, being nature’s most protected
form of hemp nutrition. Crunchy snacks will always be of value.
Hulled seed, although a more fragile ingredient for processors,
provides a nutty taste and soft feel that makes hemp an ingredient
to stay – for now and for the long-term future.