Traveling by plane is fast and convenient, but it can take its toll on the environment. Because of this, the Hempearth Group is developing the world’s first plane made from and powered by hemp. This innovation is made almost entirely from the sustainable crop — from the airplane walls and seats to the wings and pillows.
The hemp plane was developed by Hempearth, a Canadian cannabis company and thought leader in hemp-related inventions. The company was founded in 2012 and sells a range of organic, hemp products. Their inventory includes hemp surfboards, paddleboards, oils, cannabis, and even a hemp fiber body phone.
This innovation marks a first in the aviation world. When it’s completed, the hemp plane will transport four lucky passengers and a pilot. It’s got a 36-foot wingspan and runs on Hempearth Hemp Jet A Bio Fuel.
Hemp is one among the healthiest and most versatile plants on the planet. It is pound for pound, ten times stronger than steel, while it can also bend much farther than metal. Therefore, hemp is ideal for aviation technology.
Moreover, hemp is less toxic than traditional aerospace materials, such as aluminum and fiberglass. The crop is extremely eco-friendly too. It requires less water to grow than cotton and also puts nutrients back into the soil through a process named phytoremeditation.
Finally, hemp is much lighter than traditional aviation materials. Therefore, it requires less fuel (in its case, hemp biofuel) to reach a high altitude. Hemp requires no mining, or carbon fiber. It has, therefore, almost no environmental impact.
In addition to developing the first hemp plane in the world, Hempearth is in the process of developing hemp composites in Montreal. They could replace all fiberglass in aviation as well as other industries, like construction.
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