Hemp Straw Processing; Commercial Potential and Agronomic Realities

Hemp is often first associated for usage in fiber applications, particularly in the past for ropes. However, in present times the fiber has a number of uses in a variety of other commercial. Though decortication of hemp straw is not new, modern agronomic practices in the United States must be optimized to ensure that farms are capable of providing products which are compatible with upstream processing technologies. Poor material from the farm will yield low quality materials from the processor and ultimately handicap the growth of the industry.

Sunstrand is a biomaterials company located in Louisville, KY which manufactures fibers and particulates from bamboo, flax, kenaf and hemp for a variety of industrial applications but with emphasis on polymer composites, plastics and technical nonwovens. Through our two years of collaboration with the University of KY and professional farmers, we have developed the best growing practices necessary to yield high quality hemp for these and many more market segments. Sunstrand’s fiber cleaning or decortication line is capable of processing over 6M lb/yr of hemp straw for technical industrial applications.

In this talk, topics concerning best growing practices, processing and markets will be introduced by the only commercial entity the United States operating an industrial decortication line. It is important that the industry understands the true value of hemp for fiber and hurd applications. While products derived from the stalk of the hemp plant have enormous potential in a variety of commercial applications, they must compete with other traditional or competitive materials. However, if successfully cultivated, it is not unbelievable to think that hemp could one day become a true agricultural and industrial commodity.