I drove out to the Santa Cruz boardwalk today and passed out informational pamphlets. I've been spending the remainder of my day researching possible plastic compositions for the product. I've come up with some interesting possibilities as well as some organizations to contact with for additional support. Canada is currently attempting to become a world leader in hemp byproducts production. China is presently the biggest producer of industrial hemp, accounting for nearly 50% of all hemp produced in the world. What I have found is that in order to become competitive, several Canadian groups have launched initiatives to test and refine hemp raw materials that will eventually be utilized in consumer products. Their aim is to refine the best hemp byproducts in an attempt to sell manufactures on their use. In the 2008 article published by The Agricola Group entitled "National Industrial Hemp Strategy" it is stated that the United States is the primary importer of Canadian industrial hemp. Additionally between 2006 and 2007, hemp fiber exports from Canada increased 65%, showing tremendous growth in the industry.
All the research I've conducted shows tremendous growth in the hemp-fiber reinforced polymer (hemp plastic) industry. One of the biggest organizations spearheading hemp plastic research is the Alberta Research Council also referred to as Alberta Innovates Technology Futures. In 2007 the Alberta Research Council launched a $2.25 million project promoting hemp as a viable feed stock to produce plastics. Dr. John Wolodko, the program leader for the Alberta Research Council's Polymers and Composites Group predicts that within the next decade hemp fibers will be commonly used in many consumer products. Dr. Wolodko attributes this expected growth to the "green" eco-friendly product movement as well as the rising price of petrochemicals (chemicals derived from oil). I believe organizations such as the Alberta Research Council will be very supportive of this product and will have tremendous amounts of useful information to offer.
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