HemicellulosePlants, as well as animals, are made of individual cells. One big difference between the two types of cells is that plant cells have a stiff wall while animal cells have a softer membrane. This wall has a building block called hemicellulose which can be used in production of bioplastic. This kind of plastic is perfectly environmentally safe to the point of being edible. This plastic requires the hemicellulose that can be extracted from spruce. It is under development and the technology could potentially be used to replace some preservatives in foods as well as product packaging. Hemp PlasticHempseed oil has long been known for its usefulness as plastic, among other things. For an example the first ever Ford car was actually made of hempseed oil and in fact ran on hemp oil as well. The plastic is bio-degradable, durable and light-weight. In fact, Mr. Ford demonstrated the properties of the plastic by hitting it with an axe, leaving nothing but a slight dent where similar thickness steel performed much worse. This plastic requires hempseed oil to be extracted from hemp seeds and stalks via cold compression. The plants are specifically bred to be most beneficial for industrial use, i.e. no psychoactive effects and a high yield of plant matter. Mr. Ford abusing his car. Hemp PaperHemp paper is produced from industry-purposed fiber hemp, as hemp plastic. It could be used to replace contemporary paper made from cellulose extracted from trees. This has numerous benefits to the environment for various reasons. The biggest benefits are bigger yield and no need for bleaching, as hemp paper doesn’t get yellow. The yield is arguably the biggest benefit. Hemp has a bi-annual crop, which means that you get a yield every 6 months. Compared to trees which take decades to grow it is a huge improvement in efficiency. The effect on the ecosystem with hemp are also smaller, because the plants are cut more often. The logistics are also simpler, as hemp is far easier to transport. The chemical bleaching is an important point as well. Hemp paper doesn’t get yellow like regular paper. That makes chemical bleaching obsolete. This has a large impact on the ecosystem, because there is no spillage. ConclusionIn conclusion, there are already many eco-friendly alternatives for paper and plastic. In widespread implementation these alternatives would have a great benefit for the effort to preserve the environment and regrow what has been lost. ReferencesHEMP PAPER Raw With Life. 2010. http://www.hempplastic.com/ BIO PLASTICS Innventia. 2012. http://www.innventia.com/en/About-us/News1/Birch-provides-renewable-plastic-raw-material/ HEMP PAPER Hemphasis. 2004. http://www.hemphasis.net/Paper/paper.htm Joonas Sandman
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May 2019
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