Paper produced from hemp contains at least three times more cellulose than others and from one hectare cultivated with hemp it can be produced four times more paper than from one hectare of forest. A study by researchers at the University of Warsaw, Poland, answers the question „Why hemp?” very clearly. This unique plant, Cannabis sativa, has several advantages.
Hemp’s stem is composed of 20% of the strongest natural fiber in the world, which is highly appreciated due to its durability and longevity. 80% of the strain is accounted for by the folem (tissue of the fibrovascular bundle of the liberian vessels from plants through which the food produced in the leaves runs through the stem, root and reproductive organs), composed of 50-77% of the cellulose, which it is also a perfect raw material for paper production and provides additional income for producers, because these plants are usually grown for seeds or fibers.
Thus, the paper produced from hemp contains at least three times more cellulose than others and from one hectare cultivated with hemp can produce four times more paper than from one hectare of forest. In addition, hemp can be used just after 4 months since cultivation, trees on the other hand require 20-80 years to reach the same maturity. Further, the paper obtained from hemp lasts hundreds of years longer than the paper obtained from wood.
Paper made from hemp resists decomposition and does not go yellow as it ages. Also, the paper made from hemp does not require toxic substances for bleaching. It can be bleached with hydrogen peroxide, so that the chlorine or dioxine in flowing waters are not poisoned, as when are the paper produced by cutting trees. The chemicals used in the manufacture of hemp paper are much less poisonous than the chemicals used in the manufacture of cellulose paper.
In addition, hemp sterilizes soil, kills fungi and weeds and prevents erosion. Their roots are 10 times better for the soil where they grow than those of commonly used crops such as oats and rye. Research shows that one hectare of hemp absorbs 0.5 kg of copper, 160 g of lead and much cadmium from the soil.
Paper made from hemp can be recycled 7 to 8 times, compared to only 3 times for cellulose paper
To date, hemp fibers have the greatest applicability for the production in different industries of high quality paper for writing and printing, archiving papers, sealing papers, filter papers for fields such as technique and science, insulating papers, paper resistant to greases, coffee filters, tea bags, handmade papers, bible papers and various works of art. The high quality of hemp as a raw material should place it in the first place as a raw material in all areas of applicability.
source: Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW Forestry and Wood Technology № 91, 2015: 134-137