A group of Groningen students is setting out to prove that hemp is a viable alternative material in the creation of plastics.
Translation by Thomas Ansell
The Groninger Internet Courant reports that students from the University of Groningen and the Hanze University of Applied Sciences have been working together at HempFlax, a facility in Oude Pekela researching new applications for hemp.
HempFlax, which acts as both a business and focal point of the research, suggest that hemp can be used not only instead of plastic, but also as a renewable way of insulating houses. One product that has high hopes within HempFlax is “biocomposite”, a naturally-derived product which can be pressed and may eventually take the place of ‘plastic’-based plastic.
Future plans for HempFlax include a Hemp Design Factory, where Minerva Art Academy students, business, biology, and industrial design students can meet up and exchange ideas. The hub is also researching new possibilities for uses of the material, and looking into how existing products can be adapted to include hemp in their production in an economically feasible manner.
The research into the uses of hemp has been supported through Northern Knowledge, an initiative by the Groningen academic institutions and UMCG.
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