Biodegradability of Hemp

Introduction  

Hook  

We often celebrate hemp as an eco-friendly product, a resource that has a reputation for sustainability and the inherent value it brings to many industries, from clothing to packaging. One of the most frequently stated qualities of hemp is its biodegradability. Rather, many feel that hemp products dissolve effortlessly and without side effects anywhere. But does this really apply? Is hemp as biodegradable as its advocates say it is, or more? In this post, we will dispel the myths of hemp’s biodegradability and prove that it is actually green. 

Context  

As sustainability has become an increasingly vital aspect of the global economy, the demand for sustainable materials has been increasing dramatically. In particular, hemp has become known as a versatile, renewable and biodegradable substance. Using hemp in textiles and clothing, as well as in biodegradable packaging and building materials, hemp’s ecological versatility is being touted as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional, non-biodegradable products such as plastics and synthetic fabrics. These benefits are certainly great, but there are many myths surrounding hemp’s biodegradability. 

Thesis Statement  

While hemp is touted as an ecologically pristine material, it is important to combat the myths surrounding hemp’s true environmental impacts. Here in this post, we’ll explain the science behind hemp’s biodegradability, the processes involved in its degradation, and clear the air by destroying some of the common misconceptions about the substance. Knowing the full narrative of hemp’s biodegradability will allow us to make better choices about how to use it and advocate for the most sustainable way to produce and dispose of it. 

1: What is Biodegradability?  

Definition  

Biodegradability means that something will decompose into natural elements, including water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, using microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and other decomposers. When biodegradable material is exposed to environmental factors, it breaks down in a natural way, leaving no permanent contamination or toxic traces. Biodegradable substances are typically organic compounds that can be digested by microbes into harmless constituents and returned to the environment. 

Biodegradability, as an ecological attribute, is attractive to substances because it prevents waste accumulation in landfills, oceans and other marine ecosystems. Materials that aren’t biodegradable contribute to long-term ecological issues like litter, plastic pollution, and non-biodegradable materials being held up in the environment. The use of biodegradable materials is regarded as a vital way to minimise our human footprint on Earth and transition to a circular and sustainable economy. 

Factors that Affect Biodegradability  

There are a few things that affect the rate and effectiveness of biodegradation. These include:  

• Hydration: Water is a fundamental component of biodegradation. Most microorganisms that break down substances prefer moist environments. Biodegradation is much less effective when the weather is dry, because microbes stop doing their work. 

• Temperature: The temperature determines the biodegradation rate. Warm weather typically increases microbial activity, causing substances to decay faster. Yet high temperatures (extremely cold or very hot) can disrupt microbial growth and slow down degradation. 

• Oxygen: Aerobic organisms (those that need oxygen) digest matter very rapidly, while anaerobic organisms (those without oxygen) digest matter slower. The amount of oxygen available can affect which organisms are participating in the process, and consequently how quickly and thoroughly a material breaks down. 

• Microbiological Activity: There should be a presence of microorganisms in order for the waste to break down. How well a substance breaks down depends on the composition and density of microorganisms in the soil or water. There are different microorganisms that specialise in degrading specific kinds of organic matter, and so having a wide variety of decomposers is crucial for the biodegradation of a substance. 

Why Biodegradability Matters  

The significance of biodegradability is that it will not build up waste, which would otherwise result in long-term pollution. Nonbiodegradable materials – such as conventional plastics, synthetic textiles and even some packaging – stay in the atmosphere for hundreds or thousands of years. It leads to ocean pollution, microplastics, and habitat loss. 

If we build things out of biodegradable resources such as hemp, for example, we can make things that decompose back into the environment without long-term harm to ecosystems. Biodegradable materials are usually less harmful to animals and have a lower total environmental impact. Additionally, biodegradable materials can play an important role in circular economies, in which materials are cycled repeatedly across the ecosystem, instead of becoming garbage. 

2.The Benefits of Hemp’s Biodegradability Section 2: The Advantages of Hemp’s Biodegradability 

Hemp’s Natural Composition  

Hemp is a plant fiber and, like all plant fibres, it is naturally biodegradable. Hemp fibres are made mostly of cellulose, a natural polymer present in plant cell walls that breaks down fairly quickly when subjected to microbial action. Hemp’s inherent nature means that, once consumed in its unfiltered form, hemp will biodegrade faster than synthetics. That is one reason hemp is a renewable alternative to artificial fibres such as polyester or nylon, which are petroleum-based and take hundreds of years to degrade. 

Second, hemp doesn’t require artificial chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers to grow, which minimizes the environmental impact of hemp production. The process also requires less water than cotton and other crops, making hemp an even more sustainable option for textile and other goods production. 

Comparison to Synthetic Fibers  

Perhaps one of the reasons that hemp is rated as better than synthetic fibres when it comes to biodegradability is that synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon and acrylic are manufactured using petroleum-derived chemicals. They don’t biodegrade, they break down in small fragments, adding to the ever-increasing contamination of microplastics. Synthetic fibres remain on the planet even after decades of weathering and pose great dangers to marine life, animals and ecosystems. 

Hemp, by contrast, is naturally biodegradable and does not pollute the environment with plastics. As hemp products break down, they return nutrients to the soil, which in turn nourishes rather than depletes the planet. Hemp fabric, for instance, will decompose into natural materials in months or years, depending on the environment. This is quite different from the hundreds of years it can take for synthetics to erode away. 

Soil Enrichment  

One of the biggest advantages of hemp’s biodegradability is its ability to provide nutrients to the soil during its breakdown. Hemp fibers, once broken down, absorb nutrients that can support plants and help add organic matter to the soil. This is particularly true in agriculture, where soil health is essential for food security and sustainable production. 

Hemp cultivation, too, contributes to the health of the soil. Hemp is naturally beneficial to the soil, since it helps draw nutrients and carbon out of the soil to help restore equilibrium. Even the plant’s roots slow erosion, so it has additional environmental advantages. This regenerative power can be harnessed in a wide range of uses (from clothing to biodegradable packaging) making hemp an unmistakably sustainable material.

Part 3: “Myth 1 – “Hemp Is Totally Biodegradable In Any Environment” 

Fact: Although hemp is biodegradable, how well and how quickly it breaks down depends on the amount of moisture, temperature and microbial activity in the environment. 

One of the most widely held myths about hemp is that it is 100% biodegradable under any conditions. Though hemp is a natural, organic substance that will decompose relatively quickly under ideal conditions, it is not invincible against environmental limitations. Biodegradation is not quick and it’s certainly not inevitable under any given circumstances, especially when hemp is grown in harsh or controlled conditions with low microbial activities. 

Explanation  

Biodegradation is a multi-factorial phenomenon that relies on a host of interdependent variables that influence the rate at which materials break down. Biodegradation requires the right environment, which can include moisture, temperature, oxygen, and a growing community of decomposing microbes. 

• Wetness: Water is vital to microbes and enzymes that digest organic matter. In the presence of limited moisture – for example, in deserts or waste dumps – biodegradation will be substantially slowed or halted. Like everything organic, hemp needs moisture in order to support the biological processes that cause it to decay. In the absence of moisture, the microbes that break down hemp fibres are unable to operate and the process of decomposition stagnates. 

• Temperature: The rate of biodegradation also depends a lot on temperature. At warmer temperatures, decomposition speeds up as microbial life increases. But in cold climates, microbial activity slows down and the process of decay starts to slow. Biodegradation might be nearly non-existent in extreme cold, and hemp products would last much longer. Even extremely hot temperatures could do a similar thing, eliminating the microbes needed for biodegradation. 

• Biodegradation: The process of biodegradation is triggered by microbes like bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers that breakdown organic material. The presence and number of these microbes are crucial to the breakdown. The hemp fibers when exposed to a sterile environment (like in a sealed plastic bag) will break down slowly, or not at all. By contrast, hemp in a nutrient-rich, moist soil environment with microbial communities will decay more quickly. 

For instance: Hemp Slows Down Its Dissolution in Landfills. 

One of the greatest problems with waste is how it accumulates in landfills, where organic waste decays much more slowly than in the natural environment. Most landfills are designed to restrict oxygen to minimise methane release, creating an anaerobic atmosphere. Hemp, while biodegradable, will not decompose very rapidly in these conditions because oxygen is limited. In landfills that lack adequate ventilation and moisture, microbial activity is greatly constrained, preventing organic materials, including hemp, from naturally breaking down. 

Even when organic hemp is in a landfill, it can take many months for it to compost, because the air and moisture are too poor for effective microbial production. Hemp may inevitably decompose in such circumstances, but it would take years if not decades to totally decay. The lie that hemp will break down in landfills as quickly as it does in other environments deceives the science of waste disposal. 

By contrast, hemp products that receive the right type of care, like composting gardens, decompose within months. With enough moisture, heat and oxygen, composting provides the perfect circumstances for biodegradation, enabling faster decomposition and recycling of nutrients. This is why composting is such a great way to ensure hemp’s biodegradability and reduce its carbon footprint. 

4. Part 2 – Myth 2 – “Hemp Fabric is Always Biodegradable” 

• Fact: Hemp fabrics, when mixed with synthetics (polyester, spandex), might not be 100% biodegradable. 

Another common hemp myth is that any fabric made from hemp is always biodegradable. This is a sweeping statement because the biodegradability of hemp fabric depends on what it is made of. Hemp is a natural fiber and, when consumed as a raw material, it degrades in relatively short order under ideal circumstances. But when hemp is combined with synthetic fibres, like polyester, spandex or nylon, the fabric isn’t as biodegradable as it could be. 

Explanation  

Most hemp merchandise available on the market, such as clothing, bags, and textiles, is made of hemp-blended products. These blends blend hemp fibers with synthetics to provide a desired stretch, durability, and texture. These blended fabrics might share a few hemp-like attributes such as their low-impact production and cultivation, but the synthetic fibres cancel most of hemp’s biodegradability features. 

• Blended Materials: Artificial fibres, such as polyester and spandex, are produced from petrochemicals and are not biodegradable. Hemp blended with these fibres ensures that the final fabric doesn’t lose the non-biodegradable characteristics of the synthetics. Polyester, for example, can take centuries to decompose in the soil, and if encrusted with hemp, it undermines the biodegradability of the textile as a whole. 

• Green: Hemp fabric blends have an even higher impact on the environment than does hemp fabric alone. Although hemp is relatively environmentally friendly, with minimal use of pesticides, fertilisers and water, synthetic fibres consume large amounts of energy and are very hard to produce. Additionally, the synthetic fibres typically spit microplastics into the air as they are washed out, making plastic polluting. 

• Biodegradation: As hemp blends decompose, the artificial fibers within the fabric inhibit or prevent the biodegradation process. The hemp fibres might decay very quickly in a composting or natural state, but the artificial fibers remain intact, decaying slowly over time. This can create a buildup of microplastics in the atmosphere that is damaging to wildlife and ecosystems. 

• For instance: Hemp Blends Examples and Biodegradation Impacts On The Environment! 

We use hemp blending in clothing, for instance, where it’s combined with spandex, cotton or polyester to produce stretchy or durable fabrics. Hemp-blend jeans, for example, have grown in popularity in recent years, but they still contain synthetic fibres that require centuries to break down. 

If discarded in a landfill or exposed to the elements, these blended fabrics will not break down at the same rate as 100% hemp. Rather, they will end up in landfills as part of the ever-escalating issue of synthetic rubbish, where they’ll remain for far longer than natural hemp fibres on their own. 

According to a report from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, fabrics with more than half synthetic fibres could take centuries to degrade, and synthetic microfibers released into the environment can pollute aquatic environments and poison marine organisms. It makes it important for consumers to be aware of what materials they’re choosing, since even environmentally sustainable hemp fabrics can be incredibly unsustainable if mixed with synthetics.

5: Myth 3 – “Hemp Products Take Too Long to Decompose” 

Fact: Hemp degrades based on its shape and the conditions in which it enters the environment. 

Some of the most enduring myths surrounding hemp – particularly when it comes to the environment – are that hemp products are notoriously slow to breakdown. This myth explains why hemp, even though it is an organic fiber, takes more time to decompose than other natural fibres. But the reality is far more subtle. The rate at which hemp products break down is variable, depending on what form it comes in (fabric, paper, plastics) and the conditions under which it operates. 

1: Different Types of Hemp Burn at Different Rates. 

The perception that hemp waste takes too long to decompose stems from the confusion over what hemp really is. While we know that hemp’s biodegradation will depend on humidity, temperature and microbial activity, how hemp is used determines the rate at which it will decompose. Let’s look here at some of the most widely used hemp products — cloth, paper and hemp-based plastics — and compare how each one decomposes differently. 

• Hemp Fabric: Hemp fabric is commonly made from the long fibers of the hemp plant. In clothing or other textile applications, hemp cloth generally breaks down fairly quickly in the natural world, whether on compost heaps or soil. This is because hemp fibres are derived from plants and contain cellulose, which readily breaks down under moisture and bacteria. On average, hemp fabric takes between a few months and a year to break down under ideal conditions, depending on how thick, woven, dyed or chemically treated it is. 

In composting systems, hemp fibers break down rapidly, releasing valuable organic matter back into the soil. But if the hemp fabric is blended with synthetic fibres, like polyester or spandex, the process will take longer to break down because synthetic fibres do not naturally break down. For 100% hemp fabrics, though, decomposition is faster than that of most materials, especially synthetics. 

• Hemp Paper: Another product from hemp that’s being utilized in the consumer goods industry is hemp paper. Hemp fibres have been used to make paper for centuries, because of their toughness and durability. Hemp paper decays rather quickly – much faster than wood pulp paper. This is because hemp fibres are shorter and easier for microbes to break down. Hemp paper deteriorates in soil or compost over several weeks to several months, depending on the environment. 

Wood pulp paper, by contrast, doesn’t decompose nearly as quickly because wood’s cellulose fibres are less susceptible to oxidation. Not only does hemp paper decompose quicker, but it is also more sustainable because hemp production requires fewer chemicals and less water than paper made from wood pulp. 

• Hemp Plastics: Hemp plastics, hemp biocomposites or hemp-based bioplastics, are a cutting-edge alternative to petroleum plastics. These substances are claimed to be biodegradable, but their degradation rates vary dramatically. Hemp plastics are supposed to decompose over time, but not nearly as quickly as hemp cloth or paper does. This is because hemp plastics tend to be coated with chemical preservatives that can slow the biodegradation process. 

Hemp-based plastics may take months or years to break down depending on the formula and the environment. For example, hemp plastic may take much longer to decompose in a landfill where oxygen and moisture are limited. But under better conditions, such as composting plants with the right combination of moisture and microorganisms, hemp plastics break down more easily. 

For example: Hemp Plastic and Hemp Fiber Decomposition Rates vs. 

To get a sense of how hemp materials are composed, let’s look at two hemp products, hemp fabric and hemp plastic. 

• Hemp Fabric: As discussed above, hemp fabric is a material that easily decomposes under appropriate conditions. Hemp fabrics decay in soil or compost within 6 to 1 year. The cellulose in the hemp fibres feeds microorganisms, so the fibres quickly break down. It’s only that water and microbes are active in this process that allows the reaction to take place. 

• Hemp Plastic: Hemp plastics, by contrast, take a lot longer to break down. Bioplastics made from hemp, depending on the formulation and additives used, can take 1 to 5 years to degrade. Although hemp plastic is biodegradable, and therefore better for the environment than petroleum-based plastics, it decomposes at a slower rate than hemp cloth or paper. The breakdown is further retarded when hemp plastic is buried in landfill sites where oxygen and moisture are at a premium. 

The lesson here is that the truism that hemp products are taking “too long” to decompose depends in large part on the type of product. Hemp plastics can take several years to break down, but hemp cloth and paper decompose quite quickly if treated well. This understanding of how different hemp products decompose differently is important in dispelling myths and promoting hemp use as a renewable material. 

6: The True Ecological Impact of Hemp. 

Here we will discuss the actual environmental impact of hemp products, the sustainability, lifecycle, and industry hemp challenges. 

Sustainability of Hemp  

Hemp has long been one of the most sustainable materials on the planet, because it is adaptable, low-impact and grows in a range of climates. In comparison to crops such as cotton or synthetic fibres such as polyester, hemp has many environmental advantages. 

• Water consumption: Hemp is drought-tolerant, which means it requires a lot less water to grow than cotton. Whereas cotton farms use massive amounts of water, particularly in drought-prone regions, hemp grows well on dry, little-irrigated land. This makes hemp a more water-efficient crop, particularly in areas where water is scarce. 

• Use of Pesticides and Synthetic Fertilizer: Hemp has natural resistance to pests and diseases, which means it requires fewer pesticides and synthetic fertilisers than other crops. This minimizes the environmental impacts from chemical discharges and soil erosion. When grown organically, hemp farming can minimise the impact of agricultural chemicals, especially those that damage biodiversity and water quality. 

• Carbon Sequestration: Hemp is a natural carbon sink which means that it takes huge amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows. Indeed, hemp has been found to trap more CO2 per hectare than any other agricultural crop, including trees. This makes hemp a key player in the climate fight because it neutralises greenhouse gas emissions by taking up CO2 over time. 

• Soil Health: Hemp is a phytoremediator, meaning that it will restore soil health by removing toxins and heavy metals from the soil. Hemp’s deep roots compact loose soil, adding depth to soils and helping prevent erosion. In addition, hemp farming will improve soil fertility by bringing nutrients back to the soil from its decomposing biomass. 

Lifecycle Diagram: Hemp from Planting to Biodegradation 

A hemp lifecycle analysis (LCA) reveals the full environmental footprint of hemp, from its production to its eventual degradation. To understand hemp’s environmental impacts, we must think in terms of every step of its life cycle: 

• Growing: Hemp is a low-impact crop, so it requires little resources to grow. It grows well in temperate to subarctic climates and requires little in the way of pesticides and fertilisers. Hemp can be cultivated in low-quality soils, and it is a great crop for reclamation projects. 

• Processing: Hemp processing, such as the extraction of fibers for textiles or hemp-based plastics, is more environmentally benign than most industries. This can be done with environmentally friendly processes that don’t involve harsh chemicals. Hemp fibres can also be transformed into paper, fabric and biodegradable plastics, giving a multitude of sustainable uses. 

• Consumption: Hemp-based materials like clothing, paper and plastics are green in so many ways. Hemp fabric is incredibly durable, and uses less energy to manufacture than synthetic fibers, so it is an energy-efficient option. Hemp paper is recyclable and biodegradable, and hemp plastics are an environmentally friendly substitute for petroleum plastics. 

• End-of-Life: After hemp products are at the end of their life cycle, they can be composted or biodegraded as most synthetics cannot. Because hemp is biodegradable, it won’t remain in landfills or the sea for too long. Hemp products also put nutrients back in the soil, fostering a circular, sustainable economy. 

Industrie Hemp Industry: Challenges in the Industry Hemp Industry. 

Hemp is a highly sustainable material, but scaling up its production and the environmental advantages it offers isn’t simple: It requires multiple steps to scale up and get as much done as possible. 

• Large Scale Manufacturing of Hemp Plastics: Large scale manufacturing of hemp plastics is not an easy task. Some hemp plastics are pre-mixed with other materials or chemical additives that impair biodegradability. Additionally, the manufacturing of industrial hemp plastics requires energy-consuming procedures that could affect the material’s overall sustainability. 

• Processing Chemical Additives: Depending on the hemp product, some products are processed using chemicals such as dyes, bleaches, and softeners. These chemicals weaken the biodegradability of hemp fibres and can damage the environment if not properly treated. Calling for chemical-free processing is crucial to ensuring hemp’s environmental integrity isn’t lost. 

• Regulatory Terrors and Supply Chain Obstacles: There are regulatory obstacles to the industrial hemp industry that might prevent the widest adoption of hemp. Hemp farming remains strictly controlled in most countries, making hemp products difficult to obtain and easy to access. Furthermore, hemp’s supply chain can be closed off, making it difficult for buyers to ensure the sustainability of what they buy. 

7: How to Maintain Full Biodegradability of Hemp? 

This is where we explore real-world actions that can be taken to make hemp products fully biodegradable, enabling customers to make informed decisions and promoting sustainable production. 

Choosing Pure Hemp  

The easiest and most convenient way to make sure hemp products are biodegradable is by opting for products made from pure hemp. Pure hemp (including hemp cloth, paper, and fabric) is completely biodegradable and will quickly decompose in nature. By not using products that contain synthetic fibers such as polyester or spandex, customers can reduce their ecological footprint and advocate the use of materials that are entirely biodegradable. 

Recycling and Composting  

Composting is also a good practice to ensure that hemp waste quickly decomposes and puts nutrients back into the soil. Hemp cloth, paper, and other biodegradable hemp products can be composted in our homes or at a professional composting site. In addition to making the process of biodegradation quicker, composting saves hemp from ending up in landfills, where decomposition can be slow or inhibited by poor conditions. 

Sustainable Production Methods  

Additionally, in order for hemp products to be sustainable and biodegradable, sustainable manufacturing practices should be employed that do not contain toxic chemicals and dyes. In fact, sustainable processing techniques, including natural dyes and chemical treatments, preserve hemp’s biodegradability. It is important to push hemp producers to utilize chemical-free or low-impact practices if we want to make hemp products more sustainable across their entire life cycle.

Dhanya Nair

Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.