Hemp Fiber Degumming Process Inspired by Tidal Streams

Innovation: Industry

Renaissance Fiber

2021

Image: Joel Muniz / Unsplash / CC BY SA - Creative Commons Attribution + ShareAlike

Physically Break Down Living Materials

Living materials are those that are part of living systems (whether currently or formerly alive). For example, a fallen log, although dead, is considered a living material. Breaking down or breaking up living materials is important for living systems that feed on them, as well as in facilitating the decomposition of organic matter. Breakdown increases the material’s surface area exposed to moisture, fungi, bacteria, and other living systems, many of which use enzymes and other chemicals to further break it down. But living materials can be difficult to break down because, for their own survival, their composition must provide support and protection. Therefore, living systems require mechanical means (such as grinding, tearing, or chewing) to manipulate these materials, as well as strong materials that can overcome resistance. For example, small beetles that chew through wood have large, strong jaws that enable them to cut through this tough material.

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Patents

WO2019199823A1
821.3 KB PDF

Renaissance Fiber creates high quality hemp fiber using a degumming method based on natural degradation of plant fibers observed in tidal streams.

Benefits

Carbon sequestration
Reduced energy use

Applications

Textiles
Clothing manufacturing

UN Sustainable Development Goals Addressed

Goal 12: Responsible Production & Consumption

The Challenge

Cotton and synthetic plastic fibers are a major threat to the planet (GHG emissions, pesticides, water, microfiber, degradation, etc.). Hemp, a natural fiber, addresses these problems, but softening it for textile use is expensive and polluting. Additionally, US hemp fiber is sourced through global supply chains. For market opportunity, US textile mills shipped $30B of yarn & fabric in 2019 that hemp can readily blend with or replace.

Innovation Details

Cultivating hemp for textile fiber is an ancient practice, however with the advent of modern agriculture and the invention of synthetic textiles, the processing required for hemp meant it could not compete economically with these alternatives. Renaissance Fiber has developed a degumming method based on natural degradation of plant fibers observed in tidal streams, using far less energy than traditional hemp processing and creating hemp fiber that is more affordable and higher quality than other fiber types. At the same time, their process sequesters carbon in the effluent, which can be returned to the ocean as a natural carbon sink.

Watch how Renaissance Fiber improved the process of hemp fiber degumming by learning from tidal estuary ecosystems.

Biological Model

The stems of plants such as hemp and flax are made up of strong fibers surrounded by other, less durable cells and a gummy substance that holds it all together. After a plant dies, organisms such as bacteria and fungi that specialize in decomposing organic materials move in. They eagerly consume the nonfibrous materials, leaving clean, intact fibers behind.

EXPLORE THIS BIOLOGICAL STRATEGY

close up of dry stems of flax with small capsules on the end of the stems

Biological Strategy

Microbes Strip Plant Fibers Clean

Bacteria

Bacteria and fungi break down soft plant tissue and leave the tough stuff intact.

Ray of Hope Prize

The Ray of Hope Prize® celebrates nature-inspired solutions addressing the world’s biggest environmental and sustainability challenges. Created in honor of Ray C. Anderson, founder of Interface, Inc. and a business and sustainability leader, the $100,000 Ray of Hope Prize helps startups cross a critical threshold in becoming viable businesses by amplifying their stories and providing them with equity-free funding. The prize shines a light on the innovative, nature-inspired solutions that we need to build a sustainable and resilient world. Renaissance Fiber was selected as a finalist for the 2021 Ray of Hope Prize.