why is so little bieng done to re-introduce HEMP products as an alternative to plastic?

Question

i am not talking about the use of marijuanah as a recreational drug but for the many uses it had pre 1950 when plastic took over, considering current worries over pollution and lack of petro-chemical resources

i recently talked to a landowner that imports hemp fertilizer from france because it is cheaper and more efective than alternatives, and in relply to the "economic planner" many forms of hemp are useless to pot heads because there isn't enough THC content to make you high but are useful for it's other properties

ok fred has just given me the most frightening answer and possibly the best answer ever, hemp is cheaper than alternatives and corporations prefer more expensive alternatives for profit, but i'll keep the question open in case i get a better one

Answer 1

It takes time. Hemp is being increasingly used because it has such long strong fibres. It is widely used in paper to make money for this purpose. I suspect that it's fibre properties will be more of its future than as a widely used plastic substitute. It is currently being talked about as a more environmentally favourable crop than cotton for producing fibres to make clothes.

Answer 2

Hemp has some useful properties, and in the past it was used for many products, but plastics took over because basically they work better and are cheaper.

There are probably some uses for hemp fibers that will be renewed if the price of oil rises significantly. But I don't see it happening soon,

One reason why a lot of people are wary of the increasing use of hemp is because the vast majority of people promoting it are also, not coincidentally, major promoters oflegalizing marijuana use. This is sort of a "hidden" agenda except in this case it isnt very hidden. As a economic planner, I don't want to receive any proposals for hemp that come from people who are also agitating for free weed.

Answer 3

I think the main reason why hemp is not being looked at as a wonder plant (it does after all have thousands of uses) is because that the governments of the world (mainly the US) would have to admit that they were wrong and apologise.
And we all know that is not going to happen.
Most of what the general public know about hemp is false propaganda created by US government early in 20th century.
And the main reason it's banned is MONEY. It is a threat to lots of multi-national companies (because of its many uses and superior qualities to products already in use).
Shame. Burns very well too.

Answer 4

There are many barriers in the way of growing hemp in the UK, eg I think it has to harvested by authorised contractors when they want, not when the crop is ready.

Hemp uses less water & agrochemicals than other crops like cotton; but crops like cotton & corn are subsidised, esecially in the US (where hemp was banned because of the competition it posed to cotton - levi jeans were originally made from hemp; clear-cut forest for paper - the 1st draft of US constitution was on hemp paper; oil - first diesel used hemp oil; and steel - henery ford started making car pannels from hemp), and the cost of water & agro-chemicals used in their intensive agricuture are unrealistically cheap because the costs to our global commons are not included (eg sinking water tables, nitrate run off, loss of bio-diversity)

So the reasons are the usual suspects - vested interest in status quo and apathy by consumers.

Answer 5

Hemp is not a cost effective product now. Corn and beans are a better source for this. Most of our agriculture is set up for corn and beans. To change everything over for hemp would make any sense.

Answer 6

Ikea have started or are about to introduce Hemp carrier bags to replace their plastic ones.
I'm sure more will follow suit eventually, but it always comes down to money and what can be afforded.

Answer 7

It's the chicken or egg thing. There has to be some demand to create a market. I think it will happen eventually... with a few products in a few markets. Today, you see hemp fiber board being used in skateboards (hempcore.com) , surf boards, car floor mats (Volvo), CD and DVD cases (hempplastic.com) and as a wood substitute for plywood and 2 X 4's (available at HempTraders.com). I believe you'll see the most advanced development of hemp composit materials in Germany, Romania and Hungary where companies are investing in R&D, the regulatory environment is more progressive and awareness of the product benefits are much greater. In time these products will work their way into the US market and if there is demand, the market will expand.

Just found a good article on a company in Australia that is making plastics from Hemp...

Australian Hi-Tech Biodegradable Material – “Plastic from Plants”





High strength, cost-effective and aesthetic material launched. A German designed eco-factory powered by bio-diesel and solar energy arrives in one of Australia’s favourite country towns. This new factory produces high quality musical instruments, light shades, homeware, furniture and other products from ‘Zelfo’. Zelfo is a biodegradable material produced from plant fibres and waste including hemp and sugar-cane. No toxic chemicals, resins or glues are used in the production of this moldable material.

(PRWEB) September 29, 2006 -- Oil prices skyrocket, forests diminish and pollution affects more people every day. We all want something to be done, but enjoy our ‘creature comforts’ and most of us are not willing to pay a premium for ‘green alternatives’.

One option is to return to nature and use sustainable agriculture and plants. Now an Australian Company leads the world in sustainable commercial production of such materials.

With super-strength this 100% biodegradable material takes advantage of a mechanical process designed by nature. This patented process works with the existing structural integrity naturally found in plant cell walls. Zelfo is strong, cost effective and looks great.

Zelfo Australia’s new Board includes long-time Australian and European hemp pioneer and author Paul Benhaim, Zelfo’s original patent creator Martin Ernegg, sustainable ventures business consultant Mitra Ardron and WOM Pacific, a Company pioneering the organic hemp industry in Australia and Japan.

Products will be produced to the request of designers and manufacturer’s. So far a list of Zelfo items produced include an internationally known Georgio Armani bowl, award winning furniture (chair and stool), musical instruments and jewellery. The possibilities are endless with Zelfo expected to enter markets that are traditionally based upon wood, fibre glass, glass and some plastics.

Zelfo Australia works with established designers, manufacturers and builders to produce strong eco-alternatives to their existing products. Designers from Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth are literally queuing up to have their product made from Zelfo, produced in Mullumbimby, New South Wales.

“We do not foresee our products making wood or plastics redundant just yet,” laughs Managing Director Paul Benhaim “Zelfo products are attractive to designers and business’ wanting strong, quality eco-friendly replicable ranges with that quality ‘handmade’ feel.”
The commercial factory will be powered by green energy, recycle as much of its water as possible, and emit no toxic wastes. “Integrity and ethical authenticity is a key foundation to our business,” states Paul Benhaim, “Quality without Qualms and Strength with Sustainability are our mottoes.”

Raw materials that may be used include sugar cane, hemp, jute, flax, waste paper and textile scraps. What is your vision for a Zelfo future?

www.zelfoaustralia.com

Answer 8

The truth is found in a book by Jack Herer and can be found at www.jackherer.com
More info can be found at
www.reconsider.org
www.leap.org
And the medicinal & fuel properties alone are worth billions/year too.

Answer 9

Probably because its still more expensive than plastic.

Answer 10

If you feel strongly about it, do something about it yourself