Since 2012, we’ve had our eyes on the future of
plant based paper in
North America.
What 2023 Will Bring.
2023 will bring the final results of our first research project, developed and lead by Hemp Recycles partner, Hemp Press, who have graciously provided the hemp pulp and other resources needed to develop this research. Funding provided by two 501(c)(3) organizations, Root Research Foundation and Hemp Innovation Foundation with support from National Hemp Association.
This research will pursue recyclability testing of hemp fibers used for paper making. The goal is to collect data that will determine potential long-term environmental impacts of using hemp-based paper rather than relying on wood fiber papers that perpetuate practices leading to deforestation and disruption of ecosystems.
Hemp Recycles proposes that Hemp is not only more renewable than tree fibers but also able to be recycled more times. With the support of Universities, Material Scientists, and experts in fields of hemp fiber cultivation, processing, and pulping a new standard for recyclability of plant based papers is explored for the first time in modern history.
TIMELINE:
Pursuing a standard for more
recyclable papers.
RESTORATION OF HEMP PAPER
2012:
Modern Hemp paper is still in its infancy as a specialty printing paper, improved
recyclability is confirmed but the facts are largely unknown. Hemp fiber feed stock
is poorly processed and pulped, requiring large percentages of
post consumer recycle tree fiber to ensure a functional stock.
BETTER PAPER MILLS
2013 - 2015:
The quality of hemp fiber papers vastly improves with the active participation of more advanced
domestic paper mills. More detailed experimentation leads to a higher quality paper stock.
BETTER PROCESSING AND PULPING
2016 - 2019
The domestic Hemp pulp supply chain begins to rely on global strategic partnerships.
Higher quality hemp pulp is brought to North America solidifying hemp paper
as a viable alternative to traditional tree based papers.
MORE HEMP MORE QUESTIONS
2020
Experimentation with higher percentages of hemp pulp results in new stocks from a number of North American paper mills producing between 25% and 30% hemp fiber papers at a commercial scale.
HEMP PRESS PAPERS REACH NEW HEIGHTS
2021
New strategic partnerships in the area of life cycle analysis and increased recyclability coincide with the launch of the first commercially produced 50% hemp fiber paper by Hemp Press. A new standard for plant based papers arises and the percentage of hemp is high enough to pursue recyclability testing in earnest.
HEMP RECYCLES RESEARCH BEGINS
2022
With funding provided by two 501(c)(3) organizations, Root Research Foundation and Hemp Innovation Foundation with support from National Hemp Association and additional resources from Hemp Press and their print partners. Research will be conducted with a collaboration with Western Michigan University (WMU) through their pilot recycling program.