bioplastic generated from hemp

The project aims to develop an advanced bioplastic derived from hemp shives, the woody inner part of the plant's stem, generally considered agricultural waste but rich in cellulose and lignin. Through transformation and compounding processes with natural biopolymers, the shives can become the basis for a sustainable, lightweight, and high-performance technical material capable of replacing many of the fossil-based plastics currently used in various sectors.

The goal is to develop a potentially compostable biobased material with a low environmental impact, suitable for a variety of applications: industrial components, automotive, lightweight aerospace, technical objects, and sustainable packaging. One of the first applications is in the food sector, with the production of coffee capsules, disposable containers, cans, and bottles as alternatives to traditional plastic or aluminum.

Thanks to the properties of hemp fiber—lightweight, mechanical strength, thermal stability, and low environmental impact—this material represents a concrete solution for promoting the transition to a new generation of circular biomaterials, while also enhancing the hemp agricultural supply chain and reducing dependence on fossil resources.

The project therefore aims to create a technological platform for hemp-based biomaterials, capable of combining sustainability, industrial innovation, and new economic opportunities for various production sectors.