The 8 Innovative Uses for Hemp Biomass that Could Help You Tap into New Markets

In a rapidly evolving cannabis industry, hemp biomass is proving to be the unsung hero, offering a myriad of innovative applications that can help businesses reach new heights—quite literally.

So, in this blog, we will explore some of these innovations to help you tap into new markets and grow your revenue. However, first things first, what is hemp biomass and how could it benefit your business?

Get ready to increase your industry knowledge and leave your competition in the dust!

What is Hemp Biomass?

Hemp biomass refers to the non-usable parts of the hemp plant left after harvesting the more valuable components, such as the flowers and seeds, including the stems, leaves, roots, and the residue of the flowers and seeds. 

Essentially, it's the organic material that remains once the primary harvest is complete, and its versatility can’t be overstated, as it can be used to develop a wide array of products that extend beyond CBD-infused products or isolates. 

However, before delving into the innovative uses of hemp biomass, let’s take a quick look at how it could benefit your business to gain a better understanding of whether the cost is worth the advantages. 

The Main Benefits of Hemp Biomass for Businesses

Hemp biomass isn't just a byproduct; it's a powerhouse of benefits that can drive significant advantages for businesses across various industries. So, let's dig into why hemp biomass is creating quite a buzz.

1. It is the champion of sustainability given that it can grow rapidly with minimal pesticides, herbicides, and water compared to traditional crops. 
2. It can be a cost-effective alternative, reducing waste and turning what was previously considered refuse into value-added products. 
3. The global hemp market is projected to reach $13.03 billion by 2026, according to the Hemp Industries Association, making it highly capitalizeable.
4. It’s extraordinarily versatile, allowing businesses to diversify their product lines and explore new market opportunities. 
5. According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, it’s a beneficial rotational crop that can enhance soil structure and fertility. 
6. With more states and countries embracing hemp cultivation, businesses can benefit from increased demand and market expansion. 
7. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, hemp farming has increased by 418% in the United States, proving its high demand. 

In essence, hemp biomass is the jack-of-all-trades in the plant kingdom. It's resourceful, eco-friendly, and poised to open doors to new business ventures. So, let’s take a look at how you can reap its benefits beyond extractions or distillates. 

The 8 Innovative Uses for Hemp Biomass

Unlocking the full potential of hemp biomass can open doors to diverse and lucrative markets. So let’s explore eight innovative ways businesses are transforming hemp biomass into valuable products that expand into other industries.

Hemp Plastics

One of the most innovative uses of hemp biomass is the creation of hemp plastics, which are obtained by using the cellulose within hemp fibers to produce biopolymers that can be molded into various plastic forms. 

And unlike traditional plastics that can take hundreds of years to degrade, hemp plastics break down naturally, reducing long-term pollution. Furthermore, hemp emits CO2 as it grows, which also reduces its greenhouse gas emissions. 

However, these hemp-based plastics are not only biodegradable but also offer comparable strength and durability to conventional plastics, making the market demand for hemp plastics significant. 

As a matter of fact, according to a market report by Grand View Research, the global bioplastics market size is anticipated to reach $27.9 billion by 2027, with a substantial portion potentially coming from hemp-derived plastics. 

As environmental regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, the shift towards eco-friendly alternatives like hemp plastics is accelerating. So take advantage of the changing tides and consider adding these plastics to your product lines as well as using them in your packaging. 

Biofuels

In addition to the production of hemp-based plastics, this biomass is also proving to be a promising source for biofuel production, offering a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. 

But how can manufacturers turn this plant material into gases that can power our cars? Let’s take a closer look at the process of converting hemp biomass into biofuels.

1. The process begins with the collection of the hemp biomass post-harvest, including the stalks, leaves, and any other plant material.
2. Once it’s collected, it undergoes a pre-treatment process to break down the tough plant cell walls, which can be done chemically or mechanically.
3. The pre-treated biomass is then subjected to fermentation, where its microorganisms convert the plant sugars into alcohol.
4. The alcohol produced during fermentation is later distilled further to create ethanol, a type of biofuel.
5. Finally, the biofuel is refined and purified to meet industry standards for use in engines and energy production.

We all know how harmful petroleum-based fuels can be to the environment, so it’s no wonder why researchers are looking to explore biofuels further. Unlike traditional fuels, it’s also a renewable resource, allowing energy companies to meet consumers’s demands. 

Furthermore, with the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions, the biofuel market is projected to grow significantly. As a matter of fact, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the biofuels market is expected to reach $153.8 billion by 2026.

As the industry continues to grow, the demand for sustainable energy solutions will only increase, making hemp biofuels a smart investment for the future. It's clear that the path to sustainable energy is hemp-powered and ready to roll!

Animal Bedding

Other than bioplastics and biofuel, hemp biomass is increasingly being utilized as animal bedding, providing a comfortable and sustainable alternative to traditional materials like straw and wood shavings. 

And the remarkable properties of hemp bedding make it a popular choice among farmers and pet owners alike. So let’s take a closer look at these benefits to gain a better understanding of why it’s such a sought-after alternative. 

• It soaks up moisture more effectively than straw or wood shavings, helping keep animal enclosures drier and more hygienic.
• It traps ammonia from animal waste, reducing the smell and creating a healthier environment.
• Unlike straw and wood shavings, hemp bedding produces minimal dust, which is beneficial for animals with respiratory issues.
• It’s soft and provides excellent comfort for animals, creating a cozy and supportive resting area.
• It decomposes more quickly, making it an eco-friendly option that can be composted and used as a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

In a market that is constantly seeking healthier solutions for animal care, hemp bedding stands out. With its ability to provide unparalleled comfort and cleanliness, it's no surprise that animals are thrilled to hit the sack for a good night's rest!

Textiles and Clothing

Furthermore, hemp biomass can produce 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax on the same land, making it an extremely resource-effective material to create textiles and clothing. 

And the higher yield of hemp fiber isn’t the only benefit that the fashion industry can gain from this material. Let’s take a look at some other amazing benefits that hemp-based textiles have to offer: 

• They are remarkably strong and resilient, making clothing items last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• They are highly breathable and have excellent moisture-wicking properties, keeping the wearer cool and dry. 
• They possess natural antimicrobial properties, which help resist odors and stay fresher for longer periods, making this material appealing for activewear.
• It’s an environmentally friendly crop that requires minimal water and pesticides, reducing its carbon footprint compared to other fabrics.
• They offer natural UV resistance, providing an added layer of protection for those sunny days out.

Much like the other products we have covered, hemp-based textiles are also growing in popularity. As a matter of fact, the Global Fashion Agenda reports that 75% of consumers view sustainability as extremely important, making this textile the ideal choice for this audience. 

That is why leading fashion brands and designers are incorporating hemp fabrics into their collections, recognizing the multiple benefits and the appeal to eco-conscious shoppers. So, consider copying these brands by integrating this material into your brand merch to make your clients happy. 

Building Materials

In addition to textile, fuel, and plastic creation, hemp biomass is also laying the foundation for innovative and sustainable building materials, most notably hempcrete. 

Hempcrete is made from the inner core of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder, offering multiple benefits to the construction industry. Let’s take a look at the main ones: 

• It’s a carbon-negative material, making it an environmentally friendly building solution.
• It provides excellent thermal insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reducing the need for heating and cooling.
• It’s highly durable and resistant to pests, mold, and fire, leading to extended longevity and minimal maintenance.
• It has hygroscopic properties, meaning it can absorb and release moisture, helping improve indoor air quality.
• It’s relatively lightweight, reducing the structural load on foundations and making it easier to handle during construction.

These products are becoming highly sought-after by homeowners because of their great insulation and moisture-resistant properties. They are also increasing in demand by business owners aiming for certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which contribute to points in the green building rating systems.

It is because of the high demand from both the residential and commercial real estate industries that the green building materials market is worth a staggering $364.6 billion!

And as if the market value isn’t enough, various governments around the world are implementing incentives to encourage the use of sustainable building materials. So, why not take advantage of market demand and incentives? 

Using hemp in construction not only benefits the environment but also creates healthier, more efficient living spaces. It looks like it’s high time to start empowering our buildings!

Papermaking

Furthermore, hemp biomass is transforming the papermaking industry by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-based paper. But why is hemp paper a better option? 

Well, for starters, hemp only takes 3–4 months to reach maturity compared to 20–30 years for trees, and a single acre of hemp can produce as much paper as 4–10 acres of trees, making it highly efficient and renewable.

Hemp also requires fewer chemicals to process into paper compared to wood pulp, which results in less water and air pollution, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. And unlike wood-based paper, it’s more resistant to tearing, leading to less waste. 

The durability and quality of hemp paper actually make it ideal for products that require longevity and strength, such as archival papers, artists' paper, currency, and certificates, which are all million dollar industries.

And while the initial cost of hemp paper production may be higher due to the current limited infrastructure, the long-term sustainability and efficiency benefits make it a cost-effective alternative as the industry scales up.

It's time to turn over a new "leaf" in the papermaking industry, embracing hemp as the greener, cleaner choice. So, consider switching your paper for your marketing efforts to the clearer, better option: hemp paper. 

Vehicle Parts

As if the uses we’ve covered weren’t enough, hemp biomass is also steering the automotive industry towards a more sustainable future by being used in the production of vehicle parts, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional components. 

These vehicle parts aren’t only eco-friendly; they offer multiple performance benefits, making them increasingly appealing to manufacturers and consumers alike. Let’s take a look at the main ones: 

• They are lighter than conventional, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, which helps achieve environmental regulations.
• They possess excellent tensile strength, providing robust and durable composite materials that can withstand high stress and wear over time.
• They are typically less expensive to produce than carbon fiber or fiberglass, thanks to the renewability and abundant supply of hemp.
• They offer great thermal and acoustic insulation properties, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing noise pollution inside vehicles.

Because of these benefits, the market for hemp-based composites in the automotive sector is accelerating as manufacturers seek to innovate and meet consumer demand for greener alternatives. 

As a matter of fact, according to a report by Grand View Research, the global automotive composite market is projected to reach $9.3 billion by 2025, driven by the adoption of lightweight and sustainable materials.

Which is why leading automotive brands, like BMW, are investing in hemp composites as part of their sustainability initiatives, paving the way for a new era of eco-friendly vehicle manufacturing. 

Absorbents

Last, but definitely not least, hemp biomass is making waves in the field of environmental cleanups given that its natural absorbent properties make it an effective tool for mitigating the impact of hazardous spills on ecosystems.

In fact, according to a research study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, hemp can absorb up to four times its weight in oil, making it a powerful tool for spill response, while presenting fewer risks to the environment and wildlife. 

In addition to its excelent absorption properties, hemp is a renewable resource that can be cultivated rapidly, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional absorbents which are often more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

Hemp absorbents can be utilized in various settings, including water, soil, and industrial environments, providing versatility in addressing different types of spills and contamination scenarios.

Which is why, according to a report by Allied Market Research, the global oil spill management market is projected to reach $182.9 billion by 2027, presenting significant opportunities for hemp-based products.

Whether it’s bioplastics or fuels, animal beddings, textiles, or absorbents, it’s clear that the uses and applications of hemp biomass extend well beyond the cannabis industry. 

So, if you’re looking to tap into new markets, consider incorporating these innovative uses into your business to increase your opportunities for growth and success and make your operations more sustainable, efficient, and thus, cost-effective. 

Conclusion

From creating eco-friendly hemp plastics and biofuels to producing sustainable textiles and efficient absorbents for environmental cleanups, the potential uses of hemp biomass are vast and varied. 

Not only does hemp biomass offer numerous performance and environmental benefits, but it also opens doors to new markets and growth avenues. So, why not seize the opportunity and explore these innovative applications? 

Remember, in the ever-evolving cannabis industry, reaching "high" standards means exploring new horizons and cultivating growth every step of the way. So, let's grow together, one innovative use of hemp biomass at a time!