Biocomposites derived from hemp hurd, a by-product of hemp processing that is often underutilised, could represent a viable alternative to fossil-based plastics in the flexible packaging sector.
According to a Korean study, converting hemp hurd into microfibres through dry and wet milling processes followed by micro-fibrillation enables the production of materials suitable for bioplastic film applications with improved mechanical performance and lower environmental impact.
Two applications were tested: packaging films based on polylactic acid (PLA) and agricultural mulch films formulated with thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). In both cases, the addition of hemp microfibres improved material properties, increasing tensile strength by 20% in packaging films and by 33% in mulch films.
Lower climate impact across the life cycle
Further evidence of the environmental potential comes from the study by Poveda-Giraldo et al. (2026), “Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Hemp Hurd-Based Biocomposites for Packaging and Mulch Film Applications”, which analysed the full life cycle of these materials.
The research shows that the environmental performance of these biocomposites strongly depends both on formulation and on end-of-life scenarios. In particular, anaerobic digestion proves to be the most efficient option, achieving a reduction of up to approximately 6.1 kg of CO₂ per kg of mulch film treated, thanks to biogas production and energy recovery. Industrial composting also performs better than incineration, while thermal treatments remain associated with higher emissions despite energy recovery.
The study indicates that further optimisation of formulations, by increasing the share of hemp microfibres and biopolyesters, and the use of less energy-intensive production processes could further enhance climate benefits, making these materials more competitive with fossil-based plastics, in line with the packaging sector’s decarbonisation goals.
