Paper
One of the most promising applications of hemp!
Hemp paper
environmental advantage
Hemp paper has been produced and used for thousands of years. Because it is acid-free and does not turn yellow over time, much of the early information coming from this type of paper has survived as historical documents. If they were printed on paper made of wood pulp before the acid removal techniques were available, they would disintegrate within 100 years. Although hemp paper is not new, it is currently one of the most promising applications of hemp as a substitute for wood pulp paper.
Hemp is stronger and more durable than wood paper, but these are not its only advantages – it is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than logging. Paper consumption continues to grow as it has in the last 90 years. In 1913, world consumption amounted to 14 million tons. Consumption rose to 250 million tonnes in the 1990s, despite the emphasis on electronic communications as an alternative to paper.
Another significant environmental advantage of hemp is its profitability. One acre of hemp can produce as much fiber as 4 acres of trees. Hemp can be cultivated once or more than once a year while timber requires 20-30 year rotations.
Also, hemp can be grown with minimal or no chemicals.
The production of hemp paper is not only more environmentally friendly than wood, but is also more environmentally friendly than the production of recycled paper. Although the recycling of paper waste reduces the number of trees cut down for new paper, the recycling required to recycle paper and remove ink pollutes more than wood processing.