Hemp
packaging
The benefits of hemp packaging
First of all, hemp packaging offers more effective protection for barrels during transport than the combination of cardboard and bubble wrap has provided thus far. However, the choice of hemp goes beyond seeking to protect our barrels, as our packaging is becoming of use in the vineyards and in agriculture more generally.
The discs that cover each of our barrel ends and the strips protecting the bilge can both be reused as substrate for mulch. Positioned around the bottom of vines or used as another form of agricultural protection, hemp mulch protects the soils from UV rays, prevents weeds from growing, and above all retains water and helps it be distributed more effectively.
Finally, when it breaks down, this mulch enriches the soil with humus, provides the nutrients that the soil needs and boosts the presence of microfauna.
Product composition
The hemp packaging is made of 100% hemp fibres that are linked by a patented spunlace system, enabling fibres to be created without any adhesives, additives, pesticides or GMOs, without sacrificing quality. The manufacturing process is 100% mechanical, meaning that no chemical products are used to create the mulch.
This is a 100% biodegradable, 100% bio-based product that can be used in organic agriculture.
Growing hemp
in France
What is hemp?
Hemp or cannabis? These two terms are used to describe the same plant species, Cannabis sativa: the difference between the two is their level of THC, a psychoactive molecule. Hemp for industrial use only contains 0.2%, whilst cannabis contains between 5% and 20%.
To achieve this, hemp originally underwent genetic manipulation between strains.
The term ‘hemp’ is primarily used to describe the industrial plant and its plant fibre, whilst ‘cannabis’ also describes the psychotropic form used as a drug or for medical purposes.
NB: France had 176,000 ha of hemp in 1860, 700 ha in 1960. Today: 1,300 hemp producers and 18,000 ha cultivated.
Hemp production in France:
This is a 100% French sector: France is the European market leader for hemp and the second largest producer on the planet. The hemp used is therefore 100% French and comes from a hemp farm fewer than 50 km from the processing site.
Hemp production is highly regulated, which offers numerous benefits. It is GMO-free cultivation without any crop protection treatments or waste: all of the hemp is used. For ECAU Emballage, the fibre used represents approximately 24% of the plant’s weight.
Hemp cultivation is a responsible growing method, based on respect for air, water and soil resources. It is an excellent way of clearing up the soils thanks to its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
One hectare of hemp absorbs as much CO2 as a hectare of forest, namely 15 tons. The plant only requires very low levels of water and does not need to be irrigated. Its very low water requirements (hemp consumes much less water than cotton, for example) and the lack of pesticide treatments make it a truly excellent environmentally responsible crop.
