Hemp Plastics
Hemp plastics are biocomposites made by infusing traditional or biodegradable resins with hemp fibers and hurd to create stronger, lighter, and more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. These materials are being adopted in industries ranging from automotive manufacturing to consumer goods, offering a reduced carbon footprint and increased durability. By utilizing hemp as a plastic additive, Michigan manufacturers can lead the transition toward a circular, bio-based economy.
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Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Hemp
by Dave Crabill
/ February 21, 2023
Susan Barnhart spent six years building America’s only wool-hemp textile companyโand she’s doing it without any U.S.-processed hemp fiber. Shemp Yarn’s surprisingly soft socks and beanies prove the product works, but until someone invests $2-3 million in domestic processing equipment, American hemp growers will keep shipping fiber overseas while entrepreneurs like Barnhart source from France. This is the infrastructure gap holding back U.S. hemp textiles.
Creating a Reliable Supply Chain of Carbon-Negative Hemp Materials
by Dave Crabill
/ January 13, 2022
More than 60% of North American injection molding capacity sits within 100 miles of the Great Lakes. That’s why Heartland Hemp Companyโa biotech firm engineering hemp fibers for plasticsโplanted their flag right here in Michigan. In this iHemp Hour episode, we explore their USDA-funded carbon research, why Fortune 500 companies are paying attention, and what it means for Michigan farmers and manufacturers.
Hemp Economics
by Dave Crabill
/ November 4, 2021
Economist Beau Whitney breaks down the real state of the U.S. hemp industryโfrom collapsing CBD prices to the massive long-term opportunities in fiber, grain, construction materials, plastics, and textiles. Despite regulatory confusion and struggling farmers, Whitney forecasts up to 10 million acres of hemp by 2030 and explains what must happen for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global hemp economy.
Product Innovation in the Hemp Industry
by Dave Crabill
/ August 19, 2021
Neogen showed us a fast, validated way to track deltaโ9 THC onโfarm before harvest. Their Raptor test quantifies 0.10%โ1.60% in minutes, aligns with AOAC 2018.11, and costs ~$16/test after setup. โThereโs a crossover need from food safety to hemp,โ says Neogenโs Tony Lupo. Use code SHE2021 for show specials at SHE.
JOI Guitars creates first-ever acoustic guitar from Hemp Wood
by Dave Crabill
/ May 24, 2021
We learn about the creation of a guitar from HEMPWOOD. This guitar blends the age old tradition of farming with acoustic guitar craftsmanship, crafted into the worldโs first traditionally built acoustic hempwood guitar.
Joe Thiel of Innovate Marquette SmartZone, Hemp Products in Outdoor Recreation Industry
by Dave Crabill
/ May 20, 2021
On this iHemp Hour, Joe Thiel of Innovate Marquette shares a visionary plan for Michigan’s U.P.: using hemp for bioremediation of old mine sites to build a new green economy. Plus, get the latest on Delta-8 legislation, upcoming events, and a recipe for a Blueberry Hemp Seed Salad.
Greg Dean from The Hemp Plastic Company on the iHemp Hour
by Dave Crabill
/ April 29, 2021
In this iHemp Hour recap, Greg Dean of The Hemp Plastic Company discusses the revolutionary potential of hemp plastics, from lightweighting cars to sustainable cannabis packaging. Plus, get the latest on Michigan’s hemp and cannabis news, upcoming events, and farmer assistance programs.
Jordan Hinshaw from GreenTek Planet talks Hemptensilsโข and other Hemp containers on the iHemp Hour
by Dave Crabill
/ January 1, 2021
Everyday, we acknowledge the Bigger Picture. 15% of all Carbon Emissions and 10+ Million tons of waste are produced per year from petroleum plastics, much of which ends up in the ocean.