Valorization of Ground Hemp Hurd Residuals

Hemp processing produces two products, the baste fibres, which make up the outer layers, has been used for hundreds of years for it’s sturdy long fibres in textiles, rope manufacturing and much more, however the inner components, or Hurd, have yet to find much widespread use beyond paper manufacturing and as animal bedding. This project seeks to investigate uses for hemp hurd fibres provided by Tekle Technical Services Inc(TTS). Primarily, research will investigate production of crystalline nano-cellulose(CNC) as an end product for these fines. The end-goal is creation of a novel industrial process that may include production of CNC, but will primarily build a strong business case for creation of a pilot-scale plant by TTS that will utilize residuals from their hemp processing to produce high-margin, innovative cellulose products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Orlando Rojas

Student:

Partner:

Tekle Technical Services Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: