Because hemp was banned for decades in many regions, the specialized machinery needed to "decorticate" (separate) the fibers is still being scaled up.
Hemp is often called "the plant of 10,000 uses" because almost every part of it—from the stalks to the seeds—can be converted into industrial or consumer goods. Unlike its cousin marijuana, industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, making it a versatile agricultural commodity rather than a drug. 1. The Raw Materials Hemp: Industrial Production and Uses
Hemp matures in months (versus decades for trees) and contains more cellulose. Hemp paper is more durable, resists yellowing, and can be recycled more times than wood-based paper. Because hemp was banned for decades in many
Hemp is a "biosequestration" powerhouse. It can capture more carbon dioxide per hectare than most forests. Additionally, it is often used in —the process of planting crops to strip toxins and heavy metals out of contaminated soil. 4. Production Challenges Despite its benefits, the industry faces hurdles: Hemp is a "biosequestration" powerhouse