“A study estimates that the global industrial hemp market will reach USD 36 billion by 2026, representing a market value of USD 5 billion in 2019. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34% is forecast for the global industrial hemp market from 2019 to 2026.”
Almost 10,000 years ago, hemp was one of the first plants to be spun into fiber, even though it is a strain of Cannabis Sativa.
The flowering of the female plant contains compounds that are highly concentrated and have many industrial and medicinal uses.
An overview of 13 reasons why industrial hemp will be part of industry 4.0 can be found below. Due to the versatility of the plant, it can grow to capture 10% of every industry by 2025!
- The Textile Industry
A natural fit for this listicle. It’s not new to make clothes from industrial hemp, but textiles from hemp are more recent. Hemp fabrics are not solely a superior material to cotton.
It focuses on production economics!
To achieve 200-2500% more yield than cotton, hemp needs half the water cotton needs. Hemp can be grown without pesticides, unlike cotton.
The dense leaves of hemp make weed growth difficult as it is naturally pest-resistant. In addition, roots penetrate deep into the soil, keeping it healthy.
- The Animal Feed Industry
Industry 4.0 will become a reality due to industrial hemp and livestock, according to the second reason on the list.
Farms in the USA were first allowed to grow hemp in 2014 when the government granted a limited permit. According to a Colorado Senate bill, hemp could potentially be used in animal feed. The bill was passed in February of 2017.
March saw the bill become law!
It is no secret that hemp has been used in animal feed since Colorado was among the first states to test this.
Hemp has been used in cattle feed since 2004 by cattle farmers like David Wise. In his opinion, the biggest problem was that he could not grow hemp!
In addition to providing farmers with a new crop, hemp would allow them to more self-sustain their growing operations.
- The Food Industry
The hemp seed is a highly nutritive food. More omega-3 oils and protein are found in one seed than in a walnut. The hemp oil can also be used to make salad dressings.
As hemp is often conflated with marijuana, industrial hemp cultivation is restricted; however, there is information on how to effectively consume hemp.
- The Beverage Industry
Now that we are talking about drinks, hemp milk is also produced. Perhaps you’re familiar with it. Almost any alcoholic beverage can be distilled from hemp.
It is what you would refer to as a “sister species” of Hemp and Hops, both Members of the Cannabinaceae family.
Hemp beer is a no-brainer, as it has a hardy growth cycle and is quick to mature. The following beverages can be made with hemp:
- Rum
- Cider
- Vodka
- Fruit Brandy
- Wine
Hemp tea is even delicious. However, before you drink hemp-based drinks, you should know that they won’t produce any extrasensory effects.
- The Fuel Industry
A surprising addition to our list is hemp biofuel.
Rudolf Diesel used peanut oil to power a diesel engine in 1895, and that concept was a precursor to biofuels. Ethanol was even endorsed by Henry Ford. The use of hemp oil as a biofuel is a contender.
In addition, hemp grows rapidly and is very robust, making it ideal for super crops.
Hemp has a bad reputation, however, and some claim that the biofuel industry does not consider it an option due to its rare cultivation.
While hemp has suffered this setback, people have continued to showcase its value in biofuels and job creation.
- The Construction Industry
Many schools and temples and apartment complexes needed better materials after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
The solution was not expected to be hemp, which has the advantages of being virtually fireproof, toxin-free, and pest-resistant.
Beyond the misconception that hemp is psychoactive; the biggest hindrance is that people believe it is.
Building materials are not aware of its status!
Tim Callahan, an architect from North Carolina, explained to the New York Times: “When you display fiberglass two-by-fours, people can recognize what you’re talking about, but when you mention hemp, they scratch their heads.”
Hemp, however, has gained prominence in the building industry because of its durability and other advantages. American Lime Technology and Black Mountain are two companies that sell hemp alternatives. Moreover, hempcrete exists as well.
- The Carry-Bag Industry
Humans are aware that many plastics are harmful to the environment and biologically. The use of hemp might be a solution to this issue as well. Increased recycling is a great start.
Plastics such as hemp do not degrade, leech chemicals, and have other properties that improve their degradation.
Almost any shape can be created from hemp plastic, whether by injection, molding, or resining. The bioplastics industry is an ideal environment for it.
Hemp is also well suited for Industry 4.0 due to its growing capabilities and economic impact.
- The Chemical Cleanup Industry
It takes unique strategies to clean up nuclear catastrophes such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. One unique use of hemp is its ability to restore damaged soil. By using live plants, phytoremediation purifies radioactive waste.
A natural solution for these human-created problems, hemp’s quick growth cycle, and toxin resistance makes it a good match. The idea is that hemp might also be useful as an absorbent of cadmium for oil spills.
- The Agrarian Industry
Industrial hemp will be a part of Industry 4.0 due to soil aeration, number 9 on the list.
A deep root system underlies hemp. Together with growing, they contribute to aerating soil, providing deposits of carbon dioxide.
This characteristic allows for quicker harvesting of another crop after hemp is harvested.
The ground does not need to be left fallow.
Hemp can also grow in many types of soil and climates, which could have large implications for agriculture worldwide.
- The Medicine Industry
CBD, or cannabidiol, has previously been discussed for its medical benefits. Aside from helping heal fractures, it can help prevent migraines.
The cannabis plants, however, contain a larger amount of THC, which is the cannabinoid responsible for getting you high. Male hemp plants have significantly fewer cannabinoids than female hemp plants.
Plants grown from males have a THC level of only 2% – .3%, though CBD levels can reach 20%. This multitasking super crop is an ideal choice for an Industry 4.0 future when combined with its many other benefits.
- The Paper Industry
Hemp paper is only .05% of the paper industry even though it has existed for close to 2,000 years. One ton of paper made by standard office trees requires 24 trees.
The average American uses about 700 pounds of paper each year. Just in America, that’s two-thirds of a ton of paper per year per person.
Even though hemp paper does not replace tree paper, it may provide a solution to the massive tree harvesting that occurs every year.
The paper industry (which is third in energy consumption) could also save money when the switch is made. The cost of hemp pulp is still higher than tree pulp due to outdated processing and manufacturing techniques.
What would the figures look like if the processes were updated?
- The Beauty Industry
In the beauty business this year, cruelty-free brands like Cover FX and Josie Maran are in high demand. The Pacifica line offers vegan options as well.
Hemp oil is useful for a variety of purposes, as was discussed earlier in this article. Recent advances in cosmetics and skincare are among the most notable.
The Internet is full of humorous listicles about “the need to use weed,” but hemp has real benefits. Better skin and fun makeup can be gained this way.
Companies also offer lipsticks and a whole range of oils, shampoo, and other beauty products. Cannabis can even be used to create a perfume. There is a claim that the product can reduce acne, moisturize, and more.
- The Polish Industry
Finally, we will talk about why wood stains and varnish will be part of industry 4.0 in our list of thirteen reasons.
Polyurethane, for example, can be toxic in this process. A sustainable future calls for hemp oil.
Color finishes are available in a good selection, and it’s 100% natural. The fact that it is food-safe makes it very useful for cutting boards.
The Bottom Line
We think we have convinced you enough with all these 13 reasons as to why Hemp is the future plant-based fiber!
How else is hemp possibly relevant to the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
Recent Comments