Production and Supply Chain Dynamics for Hemp Biocomposites

Abstract

Over the past five years the development of hemp biocomposites for cannabis packaging and other applications have brought about several challenges, innovations, and unique opportunities at c2renew. It has been exciting to help others try to establish a brand-new supply chain for hemp materials in the U.S. We have developed the knowhow required to combine hemp materials with a variety of thermoplastics, for both all renewable based and partial renewable based biocomposites in injection molding and extrusion applications. We have tried to establish and be consistent in the terminology used for these new materials which has not always been easy. Finally, we have proven that aligning raw materials with customer needs to compound consistent biocomposites from hemp materials at volumes needed for the packaging industry can be done. These issues, and more, will be presented from our perspective. In addition, the future of this technology and where we believe it is going will be discussed.

About the Speaker

Chad Ulven is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at NDSU. He has been involved in the research of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) for various commercial and defense applications for the past 20 years. He has co-authored 6 book chapters, 70 journal articles, and over 100 conference papers related to PMCs. Ulven received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University in 2001 and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Materials Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2003 and in 2005, respectively. He became a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department at North Dakota State University in 2005. Ulven is the co-author of 5 patent applications which have led to 4 patents awarded and 2 spin-out companies, c2renew inc. and c2sensor corp.