Hemp-based alternative to plastic

Welcome to an innovative agricultural project, located in Halen, Belgium. It covers a surface area of 8.5 hectares. The soil type of this land is 100% sandy loam. 

Monitored by Team Hageland, the hemp on this land was sown at the end of June 2024 and harvested at the end of September 2024. 

The farmer grew hemp as a rotation crop. Previous years, the following crop varieties were grown: winter wheat, potatoes, sugar beets and corn.

The project showcases the potential of hemp as a rotation crop for sustainable farming practices to increase soil biodiversity, boost harvest yield and produce carbon-negative materials in the process.

Biocomposite materials are made by blending natural fibres with recycled binders, offering a better alternative to traditional plastics. They deliver similar performance while significantly reducing environmental impact by avoiding virgin plastics and crude oil consumption.

• Composition: different ratio of hemp:binder can be used depending on the application and required characteristics in terms of strength and water/UV resistance. 50% hemp - 50% recycled plastic being an average.
• Production process: compounding followed by injection moulding, extrusion or pultrusion
• Alternative for PE plastic products. Can be used in traffic poles, terrace tiles, mannequins, drink crates, lighting, etc. 

Hemp combined with recycled plastics reduces product carbon footprint 4-6 compared to virgin plastic. And helps avoid 2 barrels of oil per ton of product.

Our biocomposite applications come with circular approach: collection of old product and recycling into new biocomposite.