Hurd vs. Fiber: Understanding the Two Powerhouse Products from a Single Plant
When we talk about “hemp fiber,” we’re often talking about two distinct products that come from the same plant stalk: the bast fiber and the hurd (or shiv). At Dakota Hemp, we process our industrial hemp to provide both of these products in bulk, each with its own unique properties and revolutionary applications. Understanding the difference is key to unlocking their potential.
The Bast Fiber: The Strong, Long Strands
Think of the bast fiber as the plant’s structural reinforcement. These long, tough fibers run the length of the stalk, providing strength and flexibility.
- Characteristics: Incredibly strong, durable, and fibrous. It has a high tensile strength and is resistant to degradation.
- How Dakota Hemp Provides It: We offer processed bast fiber in various grades and formats suitable for industrial use.
- Primary Uses:
- Textiles: Spun into yarn for clothing, canvas, and rope.
- Biocomposites: Mixed with plastics to create strong, lightweight materials for automotive parts, sporting goods, and consumer products.
- Specialty Pulp: For high-strength paper products like currency, tea bags, and cigarette papers.
- Non-Woven Mats: Used in geotextiles and automotive insulation.
The Hurd: The Soft, Woody Core
The hurd is the inner, woody core of the hemp stalk. Once the bast fiber is separated, the hurd remains as a versatile, pithy material.
- Characteristics: Highly absorbent, lightweight, insulating, and biodegradable. It has a soft, almost cork-like consistency.
- How Dakota Hemp Provides It: We supply bulk hurd in various grades, from fine powders to larger chunks, tailored for different industries.
- Primary Uses:
- Hempcrete: Mixed with a lime binder to create a carbon-negative insulating material for construction.
- Animal Bedding: The premier choice for absorbent, low-dust, and odor-controlling bedding.
- Garden Mulch: A natural mulch that retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and breaks down to enrich soil.
- Absorbents: For spill cleanup in industrial settings, as a natural alternative to clay-based products.
By working with Dakota Hemp, you gain access to both halves of this miraculous plant. This allows for a zero-waste approach to your sourcing, where every part of the raw material is valued and utilized, driving efficiency and sustainability in your business.