Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow
Hemp
HEMP PLANT
Hemp is an extremely versatile plant fibre derived from the Cannabis plant. Since ancient times, hemp has been used to create cloth, rope, canvas, oil and paper, amongst other things. Hemp can be grown naturally, using far less water than a similar yield of cotton would use and without the use of pesticides. These properties make hemp the perfect fibre for environmentally friendly clothing & accessories. Hemp is a bast fibre plant similar to flax, kenaf, jute and ramie. The long slender primary fibres on the outer portion of the stalk characterize bast fibre plants. The primary hemp fibre is attached to the core fibre by pectin–a glue-like soluble gelatinous carbohydrate. The primary hemp fibres can be used for composites, reinforcements, specialty pulp and paper.
HEMP HURD
Hemp hurd is derived from the woody inner parts of the hemp stalk by being fragmented into pieces and separated from the fiber. Often also referred to as ‘shive’, it is up to four times more absorbent than wood shavings, making it an excellent material for animal bedding and garden mulch. The natural absorption capacity of hemp hurd is considerably higher than that of conventional materials, resulting in a higher absorption of moisture, odours and ammonia at a more rapid rate. Hemp bedding is ideal for small and hoofed animals as it forms a natural, springy and insulating bedding.
When hemp hurd is mixed with a lime binder and water, it creates a lightweight insulating bio-composite material commonly known as hempcrete, weighing about one seventh the weight of concrete. Supported by a timber or steel frame structure, hempcrete is finished with a lime render to remain breathable. OzHemp’s Tradical® Hempcrete product has undergone and passed a series of tests to attain BCA certification.
We are currently the only supplier of BCA (Building Codes of Australia) certified hempcrete products and installation methods in Australia and New Zealand.
Hemp hurd is the perfect material to replace timber for pressed boards, particleboards and concrete construction moulds. By using a process that applies heat and compression, hemp can be made into construction panels with all the thermal and insulating properties of hempcrete, replacing dry walls and plywood. The high cellulose content of hemp means it can also be applied to biomass conversion for fuel or to the manufacturing of hemp plastics.
HEMP FIBRE
Hemp fibres have been used by humans for more than 20,000 years. Hemp fibres are spun and woven into a fine, crisp, linen-like fabric that can be used as a textile for apparels and home furnishings. The anti-mildew and anti-microbial properties of hemp make it the perfect fibre for sails, tarps, twine, ropes, insulating matts and floor coverings.
Hemp fibres blended with wool, cotton, linen or other fibres adds strength, durability and breathability, making hemp-blended fabrics cool and comfortable to wear and touch.
The automobile industry uses hemp fibres in its pressed form for manufacturing internal car parts such as door panels and dashboards. Hemp fibres are also used in the production of insulation boards and batts for the building industry.
Hemp Seed
Hemp seeds are the only edible seed that contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and they can be cold pressed for oil or hulled to expose the seed meat. Hulled hemp seeds are a highly nutritious source of protein that is more digestible than soybeans and tastes better too! Hulled hemp seeds are very versatile and can even be processed into milk, cheese, ice cream, margarine and other foods. Hemp seeds are a healthy ingredient for baked goods, protein bars, granolas, snacks, sauces and dips.
Hemp seeds are rich in healthy fats and essential fatty acids. The hulled hemp seed, which is technically a nut, remains after the removal of its hull and contains 30–35% protein and 35–40% essential fatty acids by weight. This superior nutritional profile makes it ideal for a wide range of food applications. They are also rich in protein and contain high amounts of Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Vitamin D3, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.
Hemp seeds are available in sterilised, toasted, roasted and fractionalised (cracked) forms.
HEMP SEED OIL
Hemp seeds produce an oil that contains between 25–35% oil by weight, which is high in essential fatty acids (EFA). Cold pressed, unrefined hemp oil is light green with a nutty grassy flavour. It is a superb nutritional supplement for EFA and imparts a desired flavour into dressings, dips and spreads. Refined hemp oil is clear with little flavour or nutrients and has been widely used in body care products, lubricants, paints and other industrial applications.
Hemp seed oil that is used for cosmetics and skin care products contains a high amount of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, an important ingredient in anti-inflammatory skin care formulations. For industrial applications, hemp oil is used in paints, inks, solvents, bio-fuel and as a binder in polymer plastics.
