Honeywell to Make Chemicals From Industrial Hemp

Honeywell has announced a partnership with a US bioenergy company to produce biochemicals from industrial hemp and other non-food crops.

Honeywell, a huge multinational corporation, has its fingers in several pies, including energy and sustainability solutions. SGP BioEnergy is a fully integrated bioenergy products development firm based in New York, according to media reports. The pair announced last week that they are teaming up to develop new technology to convert industrial hemp and other biomass materials into biochemicals that can be used to produce plastics and other everyday items.

Under the arrangement, Honeywell will develop new feedstock tech and ongoing operational support and workforce training, while SGP BioEnergy will provide the infrastructure, workforce, and second-generation feedstock via its “Ready. Grow” program. The program delivers low-carbon-intensity feedstocks with full traceability and sustainable certification using the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

“By using hemp and other non-edible feedstocks to produce these important chemicals, Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy are helping to reduce the world’s reliance on fossil fuels without impacting the food chain,” said Honeywell’s Bryan Glover.

While hemp can be used as a food crop, industrial hemp, as the name suggests, can be used for other purposes, including cordage, building materials, textiles, paper, biofuel, and bioplastics. Furthermore, it can help restore soil integrity to damaged and depleted farm soils.