Fiber cotonization as one of the options for the development of the textile direction of hemp growing in Ukraine
Modern facilities for deep processing of the fibrous part of the plant make it possible to produce a range of products from cottonized hemp fiber that are not only in demand on the international market, but also imported into the territory of Ukraine (for example, cellulose, from which various types of paper products are subsequently made).
On the pages of the specialized electronic edition of Ukrainian cannabis growers, the attention of our dear readers was focused on the fact that during the first day of training for the students of the 5th stream of the “ Hemp University ” a specialized round table “ Hemp fiber - problems and prospects of its use in Ukraine ” was held. Taking into account the trends in our country, the editors turned to the specialists of the information and analytical platform Hemp Consulting for an explanation of how the current situation can be used to develop the market for modern hemp growing in Ukraine.
Hemp Consulting specialists sent their recommendations to the editorial office, which can be described in literally a few sentences. “In the event that the existing production facilities in Ukraine cannot produce significant volumes of long hemp fiber, which is in consistently high demand in the market, or the products made from it are not available for the vast majority of the inhabitants of our country due to its high cost, it makes sense to consider alternative options for the use of the fibrous part of the plant in existing or created production chains. It is advisable to consider the exclusive properties of the fibrous part of a hemp plant in the plane of making cellulose or viscose, which implies the creation of capacities for its cottonization ”.
Imported pulp Hemp pulp
Based on the above assumptions of our colleagues from Hemp Consulting , as well as using the available data to prepare for the discussion of the issue of "Organization of a raw material base for processing hemp products in Ukraine", considered within the framework of the round table held on March 26, the editors tried to figure out how cottonization hemp fiber can affect the development of the market of modern hemp growing in Ukraine and, accordingly, offer this information for discussion both to industry experts and the general public.
Studying this issue at the forefront, it is necessary to put the fact that the use of the fibrous part of the hemp plant in the textile sector is rooted in the distant past, but with the advent of "fast fashion" and synthetic fibers, this tradition has gradually disappeared. Due to the incredible strength and versatility of hemp fibers, and despite their recent addition to the production processes related to the manufacture of textiles / knitwear, footwear, as well as various kinds of accessories, this market remains local and requires a small amount of high-quality hemp raw materials. Taking into account the modern realities of Ukraine, a stake solely on the use of the fibrous part of the plant in the textile sector is unprofitable and impractical. At the moment, several national companies specializing in the production of hemp thread or fabric do not compete so much “for the wallet” of a small Ukrainian buyer with each other, as with cheap products from China, which dominates this market.
Cotonization of hemp fibers consists in their special processing - cleaning from the woody component of the plant, removing as much of the pectin as possible, without weakening the physical and mechanical characteristics of the fiber, which can then be used for yarn production. As a result of cottonization, a fiber is obtained that retains the typical technical characteristics of hemp, but is easy to spin and therefore also suitable for the needs of the textile industry, as well as for other types of processing - viscose, cellulose, etc.
Modern facilities for deep processing of the fibrous part of the plant make it possible to produce a range of products from cottonized hemp fiber that are not only in demand on the international market, but also imported into the territory of Ukraine (for example, cellulose, from which various types of paper products are subsequently made).
The experience of creating this kind of production facilities outside Ukraine, as well as modern market realities that dictate the expediency of using the fibrous part of the plant, as well as the most effective use of the exclusive properties of the fibrous part of the therapeutic hemp varieties will be clearly demonstrated to the listeners of the 6th stream of the " Hemp University " the framework of the round table " Problems and prospects for the use of therapeutically active elements of hemp as a basis for nutraceuticals, medicinal cosmetics, animal feed or other products with medicinal plant properties ."