Hemp is having a moment…or should we say another moment? Many of us are familiar with the benefits of hemp and its many uses, but in recent decades it has been illegal for hemp to be grown here in the US. But did you know that at one time it was a law that farmers had to grow hemp? How about that the first two drafts of the Declaration of Independence were thought to be have been written on hemp paper? So much can be done with this little magical plant and up until the 1900s, when hemp production and trading began to be prohibited, hemp was widely cultivated. Many have campaigned for the right to grow hemp, and it is now returning to the spotlight.
Hemp can be used in so many different ways and one of its most versatile uses is how it can be used in the production of paper. But why should you use hemp paper in your business? Here are a few of the many reasons that you should consider hemp paper as an option:
It is Strong! Hemp has the strongest plant fiber in the world. It can be used to make anything from skateboard decks, cars, and product packaging! Its strength provides protection for your product and comes in many different finishes and colors so it is aesthetically pleasing as well.
It Grows Really Fast! Hemp is a very eco-friendly crop to grow partially because of how quickly it grows and it being a high yield crop. One acre of hemp produces nearly four times as much paper as one acre of trees. This is important to consumers who are looking for sustainability in what they purchase. At Gold Leaf we want to provide our clients with as many sustainable options as possible and hemp is one of the best on the market. We also reached out to one of our partners, Fluted Partition, who recently unveiled their hemp paper products to see why they are choosing hemp. Chris Lane, their Sales & Packaging Specialist told us, “Hemp paper is such a valuable alternative to conventional paper made from trees because it is a renewable resource as hemp stalks grow in as little as 4 months, whereas trees take 20-80 years.”
Customers Expect It As mentioned above, consumers are seeking out sustainable products. According to the 2019 Retail and Sustainability Survey, more than two-thirds of the consumers polled consider sustainability a major factor when making a purchase. By choosing to use hemp paper you are showing your customers that you are focused on supporting the hemp industry while also being eco-conscious.
Hemp products are nothing new. It has been a part of our history for centuries. By choosing hemp paper you are becoming part of that rich history. You are helping in sustainability efforts and you are supporting the reemerging hemp industry. If you are interested in learning more about incorporating hemp paper into your print and packaging materials contact us today and let us help you on your hemp journey, reach out at sales@GoldLeafPackaging.com.
Information for this article was gathered from https://nationalhempassociation.org/.