Researchers in South Korea have found a way to make biodegradable plastics tougher by using cellulose extracted from hemp hurd, the woody inner core of hemp stalks that is typically discarded as agricultural waste. The technique addresses a common drawback of bioplastics: they often lack the mechanical strength needed for durable applications.
The process isolates cellulose from hemp hurd and incorporates it into a biodegradable plastic matrix, resulting in a material with improved mechanical properties. Because hemp hurd is a low-value byproduct, the method could make reinforced bioplastics more economically and environmentally attractive.
According to the researchers, the approach is not limited to hemp. They expect it to work with other large-volume agricultural residues, such as soybean stalks and rice straw, potentially creating a broader pathway for converting farm waste into valuable plastic reinforcements. Further development would be needed to assess commercial viability and performance across different bioplastic formulations.