31
Regional Reports
Hemcore / Bioregional Projects
Established in 1993, Hemcore continues to be the only primary
processor of hemp in the UK. In 1998, 2400 hectares of hemp were cultivated,
with a similar area planned for 1999. John Hobson, Director of Hemcore's new
factory, which was established last year, is pleased that "the sale of hemp
hurds for horse bedding continues to go extremely well in the UK and
abroad". Commercial outlets for the fiber include a hemp "fleece"
insulation material which is an alternative to mineral wool, and a hemp with
polypropylene mix for automotive door panels manufactured in Germany, the hemp
being a cost-effective replacement for a portion of the synthetic fibers. Pilot
trials are also being carried out using hemp as an alternative to glass fiber in
re-enforced composites, where again, hemp fiber scores highly on price,
performance and environmental criteria. With development work needed to see hemp
reach it's mainstream potential, Hobson notes that "it's vital that the EC
hemp crop subsidy continues for this infant industry while we develop these new
markets".
Specialty papers, such as cigarette paper, continue to be an
outlet for hemp fiber in the UK. However, with only a handful of mills in Europe
that can handle the raw material, greater pulping capacity for a wider range of
paper grades is required if markets for hemp pulp are to expand. For example,
there is a huge potential market for hemp pulp as an 'additive', especially to
recycled grades, to reduce the weight of paper whilst retaining essential
properties such as strength. A company, BioRegional MiniMills Ltd., has been
established in the UK to build a small mill to pulp hemp, flax and wheat straw.
Six paper companies, BioRegional Development Group and the World Wide Fund for
nature International are shareholders. Technical and economic feasibility work
is ongoing with the support of the UK government. A share issue to build the
first MiniMill is anticipated in January.
Several companies in the UK are producing hemp garments and
food items using imported hemp fabric and seed. The BioRegional Development
Group is keen to establish hemp textile production in the UK, and through their
1995-96 and 1998 trials, showed that hemp textiles can be produced using a
modified flax harvest and processing route. However, this method can only
produce fabric at a similar cost to linen. If hemp apparel textiles are to
compete technically and financially in the mainstream, then new or improved
technology for harvesting and primary processing of hemp is needed.
Sue Riddlestone
BioRegional Development Group
www.bioregional.com
E-mail: sue riddlestone@bioregional.com
MotherHemp
MotherHemp Ltd. has grown rapidly this year with increased
cultivation, formation of a number of new divisions and numerous product
launches. They have recently partnered with Dr. J. C. Callaway for the
experimental cultivation and breeding of the 'FIN-314' variety in Europe. This
year, they are growing 15 acres of 'FIN-314' on the south coast of England in
order to multiply their seed supply for future years. This will not be
commercially available until EC certification is received. It is hoped that the
early maturation of 'FIN-314' will help combat the short summers that the UK
crops suffer.
MotherHemp has a large capacity oil-pressing facility and
although currently pressing imported seed, they plan to press UK grown seed by
the end of this season. In addition to 'FIN-314', they are growing over 50 acres
of French varieties, from which they hope to yield both seed and fiber although
hemp seed production has never been achieved in the UK on a large scale,
MotherHemp is located in the most sunny location of the country and therefore
hopes that maturation will be good. MotherHemp Ltd. wholesales bottled and
encapsulated hemp oil along with its own full cosmetics range
MotherHemp has three new divisions: MH4 Fabrics, MH4
Manufacturing and Bob's Hemporium. MH4 Fabrics has selected the highest quality
best-priced textiles from around the world and has large supplies in stock
within the UK. They are principally targeting the interior decorating and home
furnishing market. MH4 Manufacturing uses the same fabrics but imports them
directly into Nepal where it has set up a manufacturing unit under Fair Trade
conditions for large-scale manufacturing of hemp clothes and accessories. MH4
Manufacturing is currently speaking to a number of large retail chains with a
view to infiltrating hemp clothing into the mainstream market place.
Bob's Hemporium is a mail-order catalogue and on-line
shopping site (http://www.hemporium.com) which provides a full spectrum of hemp
goods and paraphernalia. This retail division of MotherHemp has been set up to
enable the British public to find anything and everything they might need - but
made from hemp. Fast delivery times, high quality products and leading edge
ordering technology are the main focus points.
Will Stephens
MotherHemp
E-mail: will@motherhemp.com
New Plastic is a High-Flyer
The UK-based Hemp Food Industries Association (HFIA) has introduced an alternative to petrochemical-based plastics. 'High-Fly' hemp-based plastic is currently made with 25% hemp fiber and 75% recycled materials. Successful marketing of this first product is expected to finance further research and development of a 100% hemp version. Planned for sale throughout the world, a High-Fly throwing disk has also been available via the Internet since May, 1999 at "www.hemp.co.uk". Other projects run by the successful High-Fly team include hemp reinforced car panels, hemp insulation, hemp food products, and a hemp cookbook. They have also been growing hemp throughout the UK and Europe, and are consultants to US, Canadian, Australian and UK governmental organizations with regards to the growing, processing and manufacture of products from the hemp.
Paul Benhaim
Hemp Food Industries Association
hfia@hemp.co.uk
Hemp Food Industries Association UK tour
The UK-based Hemp Food Industries Association (HFIA) was
involved with a number of projects during 1998 that included promotions of
organic hemp food products, educational seminars, organic hemp farming,
processing and manufacture of hemp products as well as the general promotion of
natural, organic and GM-free hemp foods.
The main project of last year was the dissemination of this
information. The method chosen, an adaptation of a traditional ice cream van!
However, no ordinary ice-creams, lollies or soft-drinks were provided, but
instead a selection of the finest hemp food products available. Various flavors
of a dairy free, ice-cream alternative can be enjoyed wherever the van may roam,
without risking the health dangers dairy products may bring. Hemp Snack Bars,
9bars, Hemp Flapjacks and POW!, as well as the latest in hemp-based
caffeine-free soft drinks, are also available. Additional available food
products include packs of whole and hulled hemp seed, a soon-to-be-released
long-life sprouted bread using whole and hulled hemp seeds, organic toppings for
the bread such as vegan pesto, olive spreads and sun-dried tomatoes, an organic
cold-pressed hemp oil made via their "omega-flow process", and an
organic hemp miso soup.
The van is currently power assisted by the sun, using solar
panels to power the lights, music, computers and phone on board. An aim of the
HFIA is to become fully solar and wind powered shortly. This involves 1.5 tons
of equipment, mainly batteries stored in a separate vehicle, which they claim
would make it the largest mobile solar rig in the UK. They are always open to
sponsorship ideas to make this project a reality, which would help promote
alternative technologies as a viable option to exploitation of our planet's
finite resources."
The HFIA is a non-profit organization who invests in the
practical industrial uses of hemp. The HFIA web site contains varied information
about products, hemp facts, a gallery and some nifty graphics. It has received
about 1000 enquiries per day on average over the last three years. You can visit
it at http://www.hemp.co.uk or phone them in the UK at +44 7000 HEMP 4 U (+44
7000 436 748) or by mobile phone at +44 797 453 0329.
Paul Benhaim
Hemp Food Industries Association
hfia@hemp.co.uk
New Dutch Hemp Labyrinth
A special project will be held this summer on an organic farm
called 'De Wenning', the construction of a 'hemp labyrinth' on a ca. 15
hectares. The goal of this project is to inform visitors about hemp, biological
agriculture, nature and the environment, and also about durable consumer goods
and other items connected with this. Along the paths of this labyrinth,
approximately 15 information signs or stands will be placed in which companies
can present their activities.
‘De Wenning' is located in the Orvelterveld and is about 50
hectares in size. Approximately 50 varieties of vegetables are grown, and are
distributed by means of a subscription system. Also grown are herbs, asperges,
grains, etc. In addition to this production, other activities take place such as
a mini-camping facility and a coffee and tea company. Special excursion
facilities and a visit to the brand new information center about biological
agriculture are available. This farm is close to the historic village of Orvelte
and in the neighbourhood of a beautiful surrounding walk. (The well known
Pieterpad is across from the property).
The labyrinth will be 1.5 hectares in area, with paths of
over 2 meters width. From July until September/October it will be open 4 to 5
days per week. On specific days, a 'biological agriculture open house' will be
held. Visitors can actively study the subject by filling in a questionnaire. The
answers can be checked at the end of the labyrinth. Visitors will be offered a
chance to take part in topics which have to do with product durability,
biological agriculture, the environment, etc., while at the same time promoting
related products/activities.
In 1997, a hemp labyrinth was constructed on the Ebelsheerd
farm in Groningen. That project seemed to be a great success and had 5000
visitors. If possible, this project will be maintained over several years. On
the basis of the experiences of the Ebelsheerd project, it is expected that the
hemp labyrinth will be a success. The touristic location and the reputation of
'De Wenning' will help. Anyone with an interest in this project is invited to
add support by providing an information board/panel about their activities.
These board/signs need to be well equipped and durable enough to resist weather
influences. The presented information must also be understandable to young
visitors. Presentation dimentions may vary, as the width of the labyrinth path
is generous. It is possible to set up a 'do-it-yourself' stand, in which
visitors can be actively engaged with the displayed product. The 'why and how'
background of the activities/products will form the educational aspects of the
information panels/stands.
Anyone wanting to co-operate in the realization of the labyrinth or having
any questions, can contact 'De Wenning' (Henk, Margriet, Inge) at
31-(0)591-382506 to discuss further details.