Hemp juice

Hemp hurds, also known as hemp shives or hemp core fiber, are a byproduct of the hemp plant, specifically derived from the woody inner part of the hemp stalk. They are a type of agricultural residue that is often discarded during the process of extracting the more valuable hemp fibers, but they have a variety of uses in their own right.

Production

Hemp hurds are produced during the retting process, which is used to separate the long exterior fibers from the woody interior. The hemp stalks are soaked in water for several days, which softens the outer fibers and allows them to be separated from the inner core. The remaining hurds, which make up about 70% of the hemp stalk, are often discarded or used as mulch.

Uses

Despite being a byproduct, hemp hurds have a variety of uses. They are highly absorbent, making them useful for animal bedding and industrial absorbents. They can also be used to make a type of particle board or other composite materials.

In recent years, hemp hurds have been used in the construction industry as a component of hempcrete, a sustainable building material. Hempcrete is a bio-composite made of the inner woody core of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder. The hemp core or "shiv" has a high silica content which allows it to bind well with lime. This property makes hempcrete a natural, non-toxic, energy-efficient building material.

Hemp hurds are also used in the production of paper. Historically, hemp paper was used for important documents, including the United States Declaration of Independence. Today, hemp paper is coming back into popularity due to its sustainability and durability.

Environmental Impact

Hemp hurds are a sustainable resource. The hemp plant grows quickly, requires little water, and can be grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Additionally, the hurds are a byproduct of the hemp fiber extraction process, meaning their use contributes to a zero-waste production model.

See Also

• Hemp
• Hempcrete
• Hemp fiber
• Retting