It’s no secret that hemp has become a valuable renewable resource with a diverse range of applications. Along with its versatile top to bottom construction, hemp is breathable, cool to the touch, has high tensile strength, antimicrobial, and remains unaffected by UV light. It is even naturally resistant to pests, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides and herbicides.
From construction to skincare, we’ve outlined manufacturers creating new possibilities for this already limitless plant
Stronger then Cotton
CanvaHemp? creates environmentally sustainable, functionally superior, and socially responsible textile fibers from agriculture waste. Unlike other companies that grow the crop for fibers by altering the agricultural practices and/or using GMO seeds, these 100% Hemp fibers are not re-generated or cottonized. The resulting fibers are up to 3 times more durable than cotton, UV-resistant, and have good absorption for year-long use (keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer) while also becoming softer with every wash. The manufacturer’s production uses about 25% less water than cotton, with no pesticides or insecticides. Applications include shoes, clothing, accessories, carpets, home textiles, and sanitary pads.
Skincare Capabilities
R-Vital is a skin-care technology that enables manufacturers to boost their textiles with a range of active ingredients, that offer protection against skin-aging caused by free radicals in the body as well as promoting deep sleep and helping with sports recovery. Active ingredients and antioxidants include aloe vera, green tea, rooibos, vitamin E, thyme oil, sea kelp, hemp CBD, and ubiquinol. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive component present in the hemp plant that is well-known for its calming and relaxing properties. Textiles treated with this process are wash-durable and environmentally and skin-friendly. Applications are for bedding, bed accessories, sleepwear, shapewear, sportswear, comfort wear, socks, underwear, etc.
Construction
Hemp Blocks are a natural and low environmental impact non-load bearing masonry product with good insulation properties. Comprised 80% of hemp chips the blocks provide thermal, acoustic, and humidity regulation for architectural spaces and can be included in flooring, wall, and ceiling areas. The material is primarily designed for residential construction and is porous with beige and off-white colors.
Paper Products
Hemp-mulberry Hanji is a traditional handmade Korean Dak-mulberry paper composed of a combination of long fibers and wood dust. The paper is extremely durable and is the longest-lasting acid-free paper on the market. It is produced by traditional hanji manufacturing, using mulberry bark that has been soaked in water, then shredded, pulped, steamed, cleaned, and dried. The paper is sold in a natural cream color and is inherently fire retardant. Applications include book arts, interior architectural surfaces, and home products.
Knits and Fleece
Melange Hemp Fleece is a soft, durable, knitted fleece, composed of 55% hemp and 45% recycled polyester that offers natural luster and good drape. It gets softer with use and is machine washable. The recycled polyester fibers used in this fabric have no harmful finishes or toxic chemicals and have been processed using mechanical recycling practices. The material is Global Recycle Standard (GRS) gold level certified. Applications include apparel, outerwear, and fashion accessories.
Automotive Applications
Trifilon BioLite? is the first biocomposite to meet the demanding requirements of exterior automotive applications. Using hemp fibers from Sweden and other parts of northern Europe, the composites have low moisture absorption, high thermal stability, low odor, and VOC emissions, and improved dimensional stability. The resins are used in automotive parts, for consumer products such as suitcases, and also in applications where injection molded commodity resins are used.
Even Hemp Waste Can be Used!
As a natural fiber, one of hemp’s most important properties is its usability and reusability–making it a prime choice for circular-economy.? 9Fiber is a patented chemical recycling process that transforms hemp and cannabis waste into industrial and textile products. Producing only oxygen and water as by-products, this process is used to cleanly separate the fiber from the whole stalk to produce two raw materials: cottonized fiber and gum and lignin-free whole hurd. By making it possible to use waste, this process solves the global processing bottleneck and opens up new revenue opportunities.
Prior to this technology, hemp waste was never before thought of as a fiber source. By creating end-use materials in a matter of hours, this process creates higher quality products at a reduced cost. Applications include additives for bioplastics/injection molding, absorbents, semiconductors, construction, paper, industrial, automotive, fuel, and textiles.
Looking for More? // Material ConneXion is the leading material science resource and trusted advisor for sustainable and innovative material solutions. With 25+ years of experience, our material experts partner with brands in the exploration process and provide an unparalleled cross-industry perspective on material selection, product development, sustainability, and innovation.
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