How much carbon does hemp absorb per hectare?

Hemp absorbs approximately 8–15 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare during its growing season, making it one of the most effective carbon-sequestering crops available to UK farmers. This is significantly more than most arable crops — wheat absorbs roughly 3–5 tonnes CO₂/ha. Hemp's rapid growth (reaching 4 metres in 100 days) and dense biomass production drive this exceptional carbon capture performance.

Is hemp more sustainable than cotton?

Yes, hemp is significantly more sustainable than cotton across almost every metric. Hemp requires 50–80% less water, needs no pesticides (cotton uses 16% of global insecticides), grows in temperate UK climates without irrigation, and produces 2–3 times more fibre per hectare. Hemp fibre is also naturally stronger and more durable than cotton, with better UV and mould resistance. The main challenge is processing infrastructure, which is developing rapidly.

Can hemp replace plastic?

Hemp can replace many petroleum-based plastics in specific applications. Hemp-based biocomposites are already used in automotive panels (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche), packaging, and construction materials. Hemp plastic alternatives are biodegradable and have a significantly lower carbon footprint. While hemp cannot replace all plastics, it offers a viable sustainable alternative for rigid packaging, automotive components, building materials, and consumer goods.

Does hemp improve soil health?

Yes, hemp is an excellent soil improver. Its deep tap root (up to 3 metres) breaks compaction and improves drainage. The extensive root system adds organic matter, improving soil structure and microbial activity. Hemp's dense canopy suppresses weeds, reducing herbicide dependency. As a break crop, hemp disrupts cereal disease cycles. Precision Plants varieties also include DiseaseGuard+ (broad-spectrum disease resistance) for built-in powdery mildew resistance, eliminating fungicide costs and many farmers report improved yields in following crops. These soil benefits make hemp valuable in sustainable rotation systems.

What are the environmental benefits of growing hemp in the UK?

Hemp offers multiple environmental benefits for UK agriculture: carbon sequestration (8–15 tonnes CO₂/ha), minimal pesticide requirements (reducing chemical runoff), soil structure improvement through deep root systems, biodiversity support (hemp flowers provide late-season pollen for pollinators), water efficiency (rain-fed in UK conditions), and reduced nitrogen requirements compared to conventional crops. These benefits align with DEFRA's Environmental Land Management objectives.

Our Impact

Impact & Sustainability

Hemp is one of the most sustainable crops on Earth. Our mission is to unlock its potential for UK farmers, industry, and the environment.

Hemp Environmental Impact: Quick Facts

How industrial hemp contributes to sustainability and climate goals

Carbon Sequestration: Hemp absorbs 8–15 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year — more than any UK woodland or commercial crop.(European Industrial Hemp Association)
Water Usage: Hemp requires 50–70% less water than cotton and needs no irrigation in UK growing conditions.
Pesticide Use: Zero pesticides or herbicides required. Hemp's dense canopy naturally suppresses weeds within 6–8 weeks.
Soil Health: 3-metre tap roots break compaction, improve drainage, and add 20–25 tonnes/ha of organic matter to soil.(Rothamsted Research)
Biodiversity: Hemp fields support pollinators, ground-nesting birds, and beneficial insects. Qualifies for UK biodiversity net gain schemes.
UN SDG Alignment: Hemp cultivation contributes to 6 UN Sustainable Development Goals: Zero Hunger (2), Industry (9), Responsible Consumption (12), Climate Action (13), Life on Land (15), and Partnerships (17).
Market Applications: Over 25,000 products: hempcrete construction, textiles, food (protein, oil), bioplastics, animal bedding, and automotive composites.

Last updated: 15 January 2026

Hemp is one of the most environmentally beneficial crops available to UK farmers. A single hectare of hemp absorbs 8–15 tonnes of CO₂ per year — more than temperate woodland — while requiring no pesticides, improving soil health through 3-metre tap roots, and producing over 25,000 sustainable products including hempcrete, textiles, and bioplastics.

Hemp requires 50% less water than cotton, returns 60–70% of nutrients to the soil, and breaks pest and disease cycles when used in arable rotations. Following wheat yields improve by 10–15% after a hemp crop. The UK government recognises hemp's role in meeting net-zero targets through the Environmental Land Management scheme. — Rothamsted Research

Explore hemp's carbon capture potential

Environmental Benefits

Hemp is a regenerative crop that improves the land while producing valuable materials

8-15 tonnes

CO₂/ha/year

Carbon Sequestration

Hemp absorbs more CO₂ per hectare than forests, locking carbon into soil and biomass.

50%

less than cotton

Water Efficiency

Deep tap roots access groundwater, requiring no irrigation in UK conditions.

20-25 tonnes

organic matter/ha

Soil Health

Root biomass improves soil structure, drainage, and microbial activity.

100+

species supported

Biodiversity

Hemp fields provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.

The Carbon Story

Hemp is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, reaching 4 metres in just 100 days. This rapid growth drives exceptional carbon capture - 8-15 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year.

Unlike trees that take decades to mature, hemp delivers carbon benefits in a single growing season. The carbon is locked into durable products (hempcrete, textiles) or returned to soil as organic matter.

More CO₂ absorbed per hectare than temperate forests

Carbon locked into buildings for 100+ years (hempcrete)

Soil carbon increased through root biomass — our YieldMax Duo™ uses deep root architecture edits for 2-3m taproots

Carbon credit income potential: £240-750/ha (YieldMax Duo™ with deep root architectures)

Carbon Comparison

Hemp8-15 t CO₂/ha/yr

Miscanthus5-10 t CO₂/ha/yr

Temperate Forest2-5 t CO₂/ha/yr

Wheat1-2 t CO₂/ha/yr

Grassland0.5-1 t CO₂/ha/yr

Market Applications

Hemp provides sustainable alternatives across multiple industries

Construction

Hempcrete insulation
Fibreboards
Biocomposites

£400M+

Growing 15%/year

Textiles

Sustainable fabrics
Industrial textiles
Blended materials

£200M+

Growing 12%/year

Food & Nutrition

Hemp seeds
Hemp oil
Protein powder

£150M+

Growing 20%/year

Industrial

Bioplastics
Paper products
Animal bedding

£300M+

Growing 10%/year

Economic Impact

Building a new agricultural sector for the UK

£1.2B+

UK Hemp Market by 2035

50,000+

Potential UK Hectarage

5,000+

Rural Jobs Created

2-4x vs cereals

Farm Income Boost

Benefits Across the Value Chain

Farmers

Higher margins than cereals
Diversified income
Soil improvement
Environmental payments

Industry

Domestic raw material supply
Sustainable product lines
Reduced import dependence
Carbon footprint reduction

UK Economy

New rural jobs
Export opportunities
Agricultural innovation
Net zero contribution

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Our work contributes to multiple UN SDGs

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Nutritious food source, sustainable agriculture

SDG 8: Decent Work

Rural job creation, new agricultural sector

SDG 9: Industry & Innovation

Precision breeding technology, new materials

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption

Sustainable alternatives to plastics, cotton

SDG 13: Climate Action

Carbon sequestration, low-input farming

SDG 15: Life on Land

Soil regeneration, biodiversity support

Frequently Asked

Hemp & Environment: People Also Ask

Common questions about hemp's environmental impact and sustainability

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Whether you're a farmer looking to diversify, an investor seeking impact, or an industry partner exploring sustainable materials - we'd love to talk.