Hemp Bioplastics: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Plastics

Why do we need to start concentrating on using more environmentally friendly products?  We have a huge landfill problem that has extended to other countries storing our “trash”, HOW EMBARRASSING. 

Non-recyclable plastics are a major problem for our environment. They can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, and they release harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater as they break down. Non-recyclable plastics also contribute to climate change, as they release methane, a greenhouse gas, as they decompose in landfills.

In the United States, we generate about 35 million tons of plastic waste each year. Of this, only about 8.7% is recycled. The rest, about 27 million tons, ends up in landfills. This means that over 79% of the plastic waste we generate in the United States is not recycled.

Non-recyclable plastics include a wide variety of items, such as:

• Food wrappers
• Plastic bags
• Styrofoam containers
• Plastic straws
• Cigarette butts
• Plastic toys
• Plastic utensils
• Composite plastic materials
• Bioplastics that are not biodegradable

These items are often difficult or impossible to recycle because they are made of multiple types of plastic, or because they are contaminated with food or other waste.

Non-recyclable plastics in landfills have a number of negative impacts on the environment. First, they release harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater as they break down. These chemicals can pollute drinking water supplies and harm wildlife. Second, non-recyclable plastics contribute to climate change. As they decompose in landfills, they release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Third, non-recyclable plastics take up valuable space in landfills. In the United States, landfills are already filling up at an alarming rate.

There are a number of things that we can do to reduce the amount of non-recyclable plastics in landfills. 

1. Avoid using single-use plastics whenever possible. For example, we can bring our own reusable bags when we go shopping, and we can use reusable water bottles and coffee mugs. 

2. Recycle as much plastic as possible. However, it is important to note that not all plastics are recyclable. If you are unsure whether or not an item is recyclable, check with your local recycling center. 

3, Support policies that promote recycling and waste reduction. For example, we can support policies that ban single-use plastics and that require manufacturers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. This step could ensure that manufacturers begin using a more sustainable plastic/container choice from the start.

By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the amount of non-recyclable plastics in landfills and protect our environment for future generations. 

And to take it another step further, we could start demanding that our products be contained in more environmentally and consumer-safe packaging.

This is where Hemp Bioplastics come into play. 

What Are Hemp Bioplastics

Hemp bioplastics are plastics made from the cellulose fibers of the hemp plant. Cellulose is a natural polymer that is found in plants. It is the main component of plant cell walls. Hemp is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be used to produce a variety of products, including bioplastics. 

To make hemp bioplastics, the cellulose fibers are extracted from the hemp plant. This can be done using a variety of methods, including mechanical extraction and chemical extraction.

Once the cellulose fibers have been extracted, they are processed into a plastic resin. The resin can then be used to make a variety of products, such as bottles, bags, and packaging.

Bioplastics are already being used in a wide range of applications, including food packaging, disposable utensils, agricultural products, and medical devices. As the technology continues to develop and costs come down, we can expect to see bioplastics being used in even more products in the future.

Advantages of bioplastics 

Hemp bioplastics have a number of advantages over traditional plastics. They are stronger, lighter, and more durable than traditional plastics. They are also more resistant to heat and chemicals. Hemp bioplastics are also a more sustainable option, as they do not require the use of petroleum.

One of the main advantages of bioplastics is that they are biodegradable. This means that they can break down into harmless substances when they are exposed to the environment. This is in contrast to traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down.

Bioplastics are also compostable. This means that they can be broken down into their component parts and used to create new products. This is a more sustainable option than traditional plastics, which are often incinerated or sent to landfills.

Bioplastics are also less harmful to the environment than traditional plastics. They do not contain harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), which can leach into food and water.

Hemp bioplastics offer a number of advantages over conventional plastics. These advantages include:

• Biodegradable: Hemp bioplastics can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. This means that they do not contribute to plastic pollution.
• Renewable: Hemp is a renewable resource, which means that it can be grown and harvested without depleting natural resources. This makes hemp bioplastics a more sustainable option than plastics made from petroleum.
• Strong and durable: Hemp bioplastics are strong and durable. They are also lightweight, making them a good option for products that need to be transported or shipped.
• Versatile: Hemp bioplastics can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes. This makes them a versatile material for a variety of applications.
• Non-toxic: Hemp bioplastics are non-toxic, making them safe for human use and the environment.
• Cost-effective: The cost of hemp bioplastics is becoming more competitive with conventional plastics.

Hemp bioplastics also have some disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

• Cost: The cost of hemp bioplastics is still higher than the cost of conventional plastics. However, the cost of hemp bioplastics is expected to decrease as the technology matures.
• Availability: Hemp bioplastics are not yet widely available. However, the demand for hemp bioplastics is growing, and this is likely to lead to increased availability in the future.
• Processing: The processing of hemp bioplastics can be energy-intensive. However, this is a challenge that is being addressed by researchers.

The disadvantages as we can all see can be eliminated given a little time for research and growth in the field. The more we demand these products, the more they will evolve and become commonplace items.

The future of bioplastics looks bright.

The demand for bioplastics is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional plastics, the rising cost of oil, and government regulations.
Bioplastics can be used in a variety of applications, including: 
* Packaging
* Foodservice
* Agriculture
* Construction
* Automotive 

 Automotive Hemp bioplastics are still in their early stages of development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the plastics industry. They offer a number of advantages over traditional plastics, and they are a more sustainable option. As the technology continues to develop, hemp bioplastics are likely to become more widely used.

Hemp Bioplastics Are Superior To Traditional Plastics

If you are looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, hemp bioplastic is a good option to consider. It has a number of advantages over traditional plastics, and it is becoming more widely available.

You can find utensils and straws at Hemp Traders and a load of information as well. I would love to see these products used in all food service take-out orders, and on shelves in stores as well. 

I personally would much rather consume products from a container that will not possibly transfer BPAs into my beverage/food. Hopefully I am sure I am not alone. It would be a better feeling knowing that when that same plastic is put in for recycling, it is actually being recycled and not added to the billions of tons of trash currently being stored in China for us. 

We have so very much to gain from using hemp-based products, and even more to lose by not choosing and using them. Our planet (HOME) depends on us making the right choice. Shop Hemp Traders today for quality hemp products.

I say we choose Hemp for the win! The future is in our hands.

As always, thank you for visiting my site and reading my article. Please feel free to leave a comment, and join in on the discussion. I love to get feedback.

Stacie Fortson, GGWHSF