securing of building permits using this material. As with many aspects of the legal position of hemp, the situation remains fluid and is likely to shift in the foreseeable future. The other major component from hemp that can be considered “structural” are hemp fibers. Whilst hempcrete can be considered to be a rather modern innovation, there is evidence to suggest that hemp fibers have been woven since at least 10,000 years ago. For fabric, it was considered to be a “poor man’s” choice, due to its roughness, but its durability is at least 50 percent greater than cotton. Significant technological advances with hemp fiber processing have been made to soften hemp fibers since the 1980s. Ironically, hemp fiber is being increasingly considered as a replacement for petrochemical-based fibers, a 180-degree change from around 100 years ago as petroleum-based synthetic fibers reduced demand for hemp fibers in the early 20th century. The applications of hemp fiber for distilleries are perhaps more subtle. Paper, cardboard, and packaging materials produced from hemp fibers are a viable and potentially more sustainable base material than those made from wood, so opportunities exist not only for distilleries but for other industrial and domestic applications. As hemp fiber produces paper and cardboard that are tougher than tree-derived pulp, the recycling options for hemp-derived materials are enhanced simply because of the relative robustness of hemp fibers. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy claims for hemp is as a replacement for petrochemical-based “plastic” parts. This is already happening, with car manufacturers such as Volvo, Porsche, and BMW incorporating hemp-based bioplastic composites in their manufacturing operations. The sustainability credentials are enhanced by the superior strength and lightness of the hemp-based materials. Clearly, such bioplastics can have a substantial future in the distillery, not the least for use in logistics fleets. The potential for hemp-based products in a distillery extends far beyond the components that might first spring to mind: i.e., terpenes, terpenoids, and cannabinoids. Construction and packaging materials are all ripe for the incorporation of hemp-based derivatives, not only for sustainability claims but also for additional desirable properties and generally enhanced performances. Legislation in place since the 1930s has substantially limited research into and application of hemp-based derivatives, but there seems to be a growing momentum to re-explore these opportunities. With that in mind, Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center in Corvallis is actively pursuing research and partnerships around the world to fully exploit the many hemp-based opportunities this new-old crop provides.
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For more information check out https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/hemp
www.americanwinepump.com www.americanbeerpumps.com Paul Hughes, Ph.D. is assistant professor of food science and technology at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. For more information visit www.oregonstate.edu or call (541) 737-4595. W W W . ARTISANSPIRITMAG . C O M
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