Globally, the hemp market is forecast to reach a value of by 2026, and it’s not due to CBD’s recent rise to fame. As the oldest cultivated plant in the world, mankind has discovered many uses for hemp biomass, that go far beyond the benefits of CBD.
By now, you’re probably wondering, ‘What is hemp biomass?’, or ‘What is biomass in any case?’. Keep reading to find out more about this material and what to do with hemp biomass.
Where Does Hemp Biomass Come From?
Hemp biomass refers to what’s left of the plant after farmers harvest its CBD-rich flowers. It comprises the seeds, leaves, and stalks of the plant.
Different plants produce biomass with different characteristics. Oilseed plants are shorter with many seeds, while fibrous plants have many stalks.
For some manufacturers, especially those involved in hemp seed oil production, the biomass is the best part of the plant.
What Is Biomass Used For?
While oilseed plants are popular for manufacturers of medicine and supplements, fibrous biomass works best for the textile industry.
CBD product manufacturers buy bulk biomass and extract useful cannabinoids from it, like CBD and CBG. The material is also used for several other purposes, like:
Sustainable Fuel
Hemp is an excellent source of methanol and ethanol (also called hempanol) for fuel production from fermented stalks. Pressed hemp seed oil makes excellent biodiesel.
It’s easy to extract ethanol and methanol from biomass hemp, using gasification and hydrolysis, making it a cost-effective source of biofuel.
There’s no wastage in these processes, adding to the eco-friendly nature of fuel from hemp biomass.
Biodiesel extracted from hemp seed oil works in any diesel engine and is safe to store and transport. It’s also biodegradable, with a higher flashpoint than petroleum-based diesel.
Hemp biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that meets Tier I Health Effects Testing under the Clean Air Act.
Biomass Hemp Fibers
Fiber hemp plants have tall stalks that work well for textile use when they’re cut down. Each stalk has two parts, namely the hurd and the bast. Manufacturers separate them with a decorticator.
The bast is moisture-resistant, pliable, durable, and twice as strong as wood. It’s commonly woven into fiber to make ropes, fabrics, and carpeting.
The hurds, or shives, are rich in cellulose, durable, and often used to produce plastics for automotive use. They also work well for packaging materials, animal bedding, insulation, and paper.
Foods and Medicine Made From Biomass
Hemp biomass is mainly used to create hemp seed oil remedies and some CBD oil products.
Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is useful for combating inflammation, eczema, acne, and bacterial infections.
CBD oil is famous for its purported benefits in combating epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety, and many other afflictions. There are very small quantities of CBD contained in biomass leaves.
It doesn’t occur in the leaves, stalks, or seeds.
Sustainable Solutions
Now that you’re familiar with the answers to your questions surrounding, ‘What is biomass?’, you’ll probably notice hemp in many everyday objects you’ve taken for granted before.
As one of the most sustainable and versatile plants on earth, the future looks bright for farmers of hemp biomass.
Keep browsing our website for more information on lifestyle and health issues.
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