With the breaking of each dawn, science seems to unlock more potential for the hemp plant. It's never been easier to grow, there's more research & product development being conducted than ever and Pop's even asking how he can get some "for his back pain"...

The world is changing.

Some things for the better, some for the worse.

If there is one thing that's certain in this universe, that's change.

I've always loved that quote; "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" - It can be applied to so many profound and deep life situations, but today we're using it in a more light-hearted sense.

Now I don't know about you, but I've always been told by people to "Pick out the SEED and STEM" just like the famous Afroman song lyrics!

Now we know how healthy those seeds are to eat, but today we're here to change the way you look at the humble hemp talk!

On a more serious note, (spoiler alert) the Earth is under serious threat of global warming, and strategic efforts to reduce carbon emissions are necessary. Including hemp as a farm crop as it significantly absorbs carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. If you look at the structure of the hemp plant, you’d realize it has long taproots, which makes it useful in absorbing toxins from the soil. Biochar is a discovery that is bound to take the world by storm. The question that is on the mind of everyone is, what is the best material for biochar?

What Is Biochar?

Biochar is a material that bears significant physical characteristics and resemblance to charcoal. Biochar can be obtained by burning organic materials like wood, leaves, or grasses without oxygen. Crop residue, solid waste, animal waste, and food waste can also be used to make biochar. This is according to the study, “A Critical Review on the biochar production techniques, characterization, stability, and applications for circular bio-economy, 2020” The Biochar Initiative defines biochar as the solid material made from the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-deprived environment. A process called pyrolysis is used in making biochar. Pyrolysis involves placing the biomass in an oven and heating it to a certain degree without oxygen. However, organic matter does not actually burn in this process. So, it retains the carbon that would have been otherwise released into the atmosphere. The type of biochar produced depends on the kind of biomass and the temperature used in the pyrolytic process. 

Therefore the result of pyrolysis highly varies. For example, suppose the biomass intended for biochar is manual. The nutrient content will be very high, making it a good option for rejuvenating worn-out soils. In addition, biochar made from high temperatures has a higher absorbent ability. Therefore, if you want to cleanse polluted soil, this kind of biochar is the best choice.

To create the ideal environment for pyrolysis, the right equipment is needed. This includes:

Pyrolysis Reactor

A pyrolysis reactor is a piece of equipment that is designed specifically for pyrolysis reactions. Usually, it is a general term for any equipment that can provide heat and pressure without an oxygen supply. The pyrolysis reactor is used to produce biochar from dry organic matter.

Hydrothermal Carbonization Reactor

This reactor produces biochar from wet organic matter. The biochar is often referred to as hydrochar. The reactor is set between 180-250 degrees Celsius to heat the biomass. The liquid evaporates to leave the dry hydrochar.

We currently make small batches of hemp biochar from locally grown hemp stalks (preferably the skinny one's to create a better product) in Margaret River.

We use this to create one-of-their-kind Australian Made body products - but we'll talk more on that later!

We're hoping to expand production on this, but it can be tricky because we have to plan around the Western Australian fire season which can last for months!

But the trickiest part of it all is getting the powder-fine enough to create the right consistency for our body products - It's a messy process!

What Is Hemp Biochar? 

Hemp is arguably the best material for making biochar. Hemp Biochar is made from the stalks of the hemp plant. Generally, the plant's stalk is a waste material as the seeds, leaves, buds, and flowers are harvested for their therapeutic and industrial uses. The use of hemp stalk for biochar reduces waste from hemp farming, increasing the bottom line for farmers. In addition, it absorbs more carbon than any other plant from the air into the soil, where it is useful. Hemp stalks are organic materials subjected to a high temperature in the absence of oxygen to produce a black matter called hemp biochar. 

Hemp Biochar For Your Skin

The use of Organic Actived Hemp Charcoal is our little (not so) secret to clean and flawless skin. The activated charcoal soap removes dirt, toxin, and excess oil that may cause acne. It rejuvenates the skin and restores its radiance.

These products are the first of their kind in Australia that combines the finest natural ingredients with our unique hemp biochar. It is also cruelty-free and free from all nasty chemicals (which we honestly think should just be standard by now... come on guys - it's 2022!).

Organic Hemp Foot Scrub is another amazing product made from hemp charcoal and other natural ingredients. This foot scrub gently cleanses the feet, leaving them smooth and moisturized.   

Activated Charcoal Hemp Soap draws out impurities, dirt and toxins from your skin. Safe to use on sensitive and damaged skin, this soap will bring back your skin’s original radiance, firmness, and elasticity without using chemicals!

The volcanic pumice and Hemp Charcoal are great for gently scrubbing your feet and drawing out impurities. The Hemp seed oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, Australian Botanical – Kunzea Ambigua, black pepper essential oil will moisturise and leave your feet smooth and fragrant.

I'm biased though... Since I use them every day and you don't - I want that to change. So if you've made it this far through our blog I'd love to give you 30% off the products featured

Organic Hemp Foot Scrub

Organic Charcoal & Hemp Soap Bars

Use the code CHAR30 at checkout to receive 30% off

Benefits Of Hemp Biochar For The Environment

Hemp biochar is an effective strategy in reducing farmland waste. Initially, there was no use for hemp stalk after harvesting the "useful" parts. However, creating biochar ensures that all part of the hemp plant is used. 

Planting hemp is a way of sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide and fixing it in the soil. Persistent farming depletes nutrients from the soil; therefore, the ground needs to be fallowed. Tilling the soil also causes a large portion of carbon to be released into the atmosphere. Using hemp as a rotational crop restores carbon to the soil. Carbon in the atmosphere is dangerous because carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide can cause respiratory distress. The soil needs a high percentage of carbon because it is important for plant growth. Hemp biochar has a high carbon content which is useful for restoring fertility to farmlands. 

Global warming is largely due to carbon dioxide emissions from several activities. Hemp biochar reduces carbon in the atmosphere. Therefore, it significantly reduces the greenhouse effect and global warming. Hemp has a unique ability to trap carbon and stabilize its levels in the soil. Hemp biochar stabilizes carbon levels in the soil. 

Another benefit of hemp biochar is it increases the water-retaining capacity of the soil. In areas with a reduced water supply, biochar improves crop growth. In addition, it also increases the nutrient retaining capacity of the soil. Improved growth of crops reduces carbon in the atmosphere as plants use it for photosynthesis. The use of hemp biochar reduces fertilizers that may eventually be a source of water pollution.

Finally, hemp biochar can be a potential source of chemical energy. However, more research needs to be conducted to learn how to harness this energy. 

If you want to learn more about how hemp is helping our environment, check out this blog!

Conclusion

Hemp is farmed for its leaves, buds, and flowers. CBD is common in foods, drinks, and medicine. However, the stalk has no use in manufacturing this product.

Burning hemp stalk with little or no oxygen creates biochar that has several important uses in nature. Are you a hemp farmer who often discards the stalk of the plant?

I hope you reconsider your options today. Try making it into a biochar today and experience the goodness it brings.

Furthermore, it can serve as a means to generate more income and reduce the waste from the farm. You may not have the necessary equipment to produce biochar with the waste hemp stalk.

However, you can sell these stalks to earn extra money for yourself and the family. Finally, hemp may be the solution to the environmental challenges plaguing the earth. 

We'd love to hear your thoughts, what should we make next with our Organic Activated Hemp Charcoal?