Kenaf A Renewable Super Plant

Kenaf is a renewable super plant with growing markets and applications 

Kenaf has been around and used for centuries, however, through better farming practices, improved processing methods and research and development, Kenaf has become one of the “super plants of the future“.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.— a member of the Hibiscus family and closely related to cotton), is traditionally an annually renewable crop reaching heights of 12 to 18 feet in approximately 4 months. We have adopted a rotational system which gives us a whole 12 month cycle. Crops are planted every month in key locations and mature plants can be harvested and processed continually.

Each crop yields about 8 to 10 tonnes of dry weight per acre, this is generally about 3-5 times greater than the yield for southern pine trees, which can take up to 7 years to reach optimal harvest size. Kenaf is certainly a “super” plant. It is able to sequester 8 times as much carbon as an acre of evergreen trees. One acre of Kenaf can absorb 10 to 20 tons of carbon during photosynthesis.

Kenaf’s short growing season and minimal water and fertilizer requirements make it among the most environmentally friendly and sustainable fibre crops on earth.

“Kenaf is a light-weight, cost-effective, sustainable, and ecological renewable super plant.”

“Verde Tech Group partners with our customers to improve their products and processes by making them lighter, stronger, cleaner, safer, and more economic.”

1. 1. Flower
2. 2. Stalk-Outer Fiber = Bast (40%)
3. 3.Stalk-Inner Fiber = Core (60%)

Processed Core Fibres

Processed Bast Fibres

Cross Section of Kenaf Stalk

“Markets for existing natural fiber solutions from kenaf are expanding rapidly, as are the development of new technologies and applications that have never been associated with Kenaf natural fibers before.”

Basic Characteristics of Kenaf Fibre

Traditionally Kenaf bast fibres have been used for rope, twine and making sackcloth. However with modern processing equipment, combined with research into the mechanical properties of Kenaf fibres and how they can interact with other products, they are making an impact in today’s environmentally conscious world.

Superior Toughness

The Kenaf bast fibre as an example is known to have the potential as a reinforcing fibre in thermoplastics composites, concrete and building materials because of its superior toughness and high aspect ratio in comparison to other fibres. A single fibre of Kenaf can have a tensile strength and modulus as high as 11.0GPA and 60 GPa, respectively.

Advantages

The advantages of natural plant fibres like Kenaf over traditional glass and other wood fibres are numerous. Acceptable specific strength properties, economic viability, low density, low weight, reduced tool wear, energy savings, reduced dermal and respiratory irritations, good biodegradability and availability from renewable resources, all help to make Kenaf the perfect, cost effective and profitable super plant.

Uses of Kenaf and Kenaf Products