Yes, there’s a reason hemp farming is on the rise, and manufacturers want to capitalize on a multitude of medicinal benefits of CBD. In fact, it has almost become an art form among manufacturers to utilize hemp plant that works in the interest of the people. One of the entrants in the industry is hemp paper. But what is it?
Technically, farmers use plant stalks to create hemp paper. It primarily has extensive hurds and bast fibers within the interior portion of the hemp. Hemp is better for papermaking because more than 80% of the material contains cellulose.
Contrarily, the conventional paper contains 35% cellulose. Furthermore, it even has fewer ligands as compared to trees. It means farmers often have to get rid of those parts before the processing begins. As the profitability, sustainability, and popularity of hemp products reaches new heights, the new possibilities for the print industry are on the horizon in the form of hemp paper.
What’s the Big Deal about Hemp Paper?
Though it has existed for centuries, the reintroduction of the material shouldn’t come as a surprise to the masses. People, after all, want to use environmental-friendly paper that caters to their needs and as well as helps the blue planet heal.
Contrary to misguided perception, hemp paper goes as far back as the Chinese Han Dynasty (200-150 BC). But you can find the historical documentation of the paper all over the world. From literature to paintings, there’s a mention or use of hemp paper.
There was a time when Russian folks used it for bonds, postal stamps, and even banknotes in the early 1800s. But when you jump to the next century, the tree paper became the center of attention. Primarily, it was because old school capitalists didn’t want hemp cultivation on a big scale. Fortunately, as times are changing, so does the needs of the consumers.
Is Hemp Paper Need of the Hour?
Deforestation may not have been an existential issue a few decades back, but now it is. Unfortunately, some of the most prominent forests throughout Europe, South America, and North America are close to destruction or already extinct. It is time to maintain the growth of trees and continue the supply of oxygen for human species. Trees are part of the natural order that helps insects, microbes, and plants to be alive.
Collective Benefits
a) Ability to Recycle and Reusability
Hemp paper doesn’t have to abide by the same rules as tree paper, which you can cycle only three times. You can, on the other hand, recycle it at least seven times. However, when you think beyond the recyclable nature of the hemp paper, it is a far better social and economical option.
b) Quality Matters
Apart from eco-friendliness, hemp paper quality is undoubtedly superior as compared to tree material. The paper doesn’t crack, deteriorate, or goes yellow. From large print projects to birthday cards, it has become a standard for a high-quality paper.
c) It Restores Soil
The continuous usage of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and herbicides leave an impact on the soil. How can soil grow healthy food when conventional paper manufactures inject it with poisonous chemicals? Luckily, hemp doesn’t need toxic chemicals to restore or grow nutrients in the soil. It practically gets rid of all the heavy metals during the process.
d) Time Efficiency and Covers Less Land
You should be aware of the fact that as you begin your journey to use hemp paper, you will be saving wildlife and millions of trees. Traditional paper production, for instance, requires a ridiculous amount of land and time to grow.
As for the hemp paper, a single acre can create the same ratio of material that ordinarily would need ten or twelve tree acres. Interestingly, the hemp plant reaches maturity within three or fourth months.
What Lies in the Future
Conscious and responsible consumers will pave the way for the normalization of hemp paper in the foreseeable future. With more environmental concerns, more options will be available for people.
As much as the cost-efficiency of the hemp paper matters, how you choose to live your life defines you. Naturally, people want to breathe fresh air and lead by example. And the material encourages people to think of the future generations that will inherit this planet.
