The Goodness of Hemp^TM

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is making a buzz in the future of air travel by cutting carbon emissions from jet fuel. While traditional SAF feedstocks include cooking oil, soybean, or canola, a new contender is rapidly gaining attention: industrial hemp. Hemp-derived oils are proving to be a superior, sustainable feedstock for biofuels – particularly SAF – offering compelling advantages over conventional oilseed crops. Industry stakeholders and fuel producers are taking notice, eyeing hemp-based SAF as a lucrative opportunity in the push for greener aviation. IND HEMP has been diligently engaging within this movement, leveraging its leadership in hemp agriculture to supply and support SAF trials globally. Our continued learning of the commercial opportunities and market traction of hemp-based SAF, is translating into technical know-how of bringing this path to light. 

Figure 1: AIRBUS SAF Lifecycle : biofuelscentral.com 

Hemp Oil vs. Conventional Oilseeds: A Superior Biofuel Feedstock 

Industrial hemp seed oil offers several advantages over traditional oilseed crops like soy, canola (rapeseed), or flax when it comes to biofuel production. First, hemp can produce more oil per acre. Emerging hemp genetics have demonstrated substantially higher oil yields per acre than soybean or canola. (Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber ). For example, one advanced hemp variety can yield at least 80 gallons of oil per acre, outperforming common oilseed crops (Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber ). This means a farmer growing hemp could potentially supply more biofuel feedstock from the same land area, improving scalability for fuel producers. 

Second, hemp seeds have high oil content and favorable fuel properties. Hemp seed is typically around 30-35% oil by weight, richer than many conventional oilseeds. Biodiesel produced from hemp oil has shown excellent quality – in one trial, hemp biodiesel exhibited a better cold-weather cloud point and higher cetane value (an indicator of combustion quality) than biodiesel made from canola or soy ( Aircraft Made of Hemp). In other words, hemp-based fuels can perform as well as or better than those from traditional feedstocks. They even came with a distinctive green tint that marketers enjoyed ( Aircraft Made of Hemp). Crucially, hemp biodiesel and renewable jet fuel (made via processes like HEFA – Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) meet all key fuel standards (ASTM D6751 for biodiesel, ASTM D7566 for SAF) for use in engines (Alcheikh A. 2015 – University of GAVLE). Apart from slightly lower oxidation stability (a challenge common to many biofuels that antioxidants can address), hemp-based fuels can match or surpass petroleum fuels on performance (Alcheikh A. 2015 University of GAVLE). 

Third, hemp is extraordinarily sustainable to cultivate. Unlike soy or corn which often require intensive inputs, hemp can thrive with minimal intervention. “Another benefit of using hemp compared to other food crops is that it can be grown on marginal lands, requires no pesticides or fertilizers and little water,” notes one industry report (Industrial Hemp’s Energy Potential – Biofuels – Hemp Gazette). This robustness means hemp can grow in areas unsuited for food crops (reducing pressure on prime farmland) and with fewer chemicals. Hemp even improves soil health – its deep roots aerate soil and it’s known to help remediate contaminated lands (Industrial Hemp’s Energy Potential – Biofuels – Hemp Gazette). In contrast, conventional oilseeds like palm or soy can carry sustainability concerns (e.g. deforestation for palm plantations, heavy pesticide use in soy). Hemp offers a cleaner, lower-impact profile. 

Finally, using hemp sidesteps the “food vs. fuel” dilemma. Hemp is not a staple food crop in the way corn or soy are. It can be grown as a cover crop or dual-purpose crop (yielding fiber, grain, and oil) on off-season or rotational land. This means hemp can supply biofuel feedstock without diverting resources from food production (Why an Atlanta startup is betting on hemp bricks to offer cheaper SAF). In fact, researchers are exploring planting hemp on fallow winter wheat acres – some 20 million idle acres in the U.S. – to produce fuel feedstock in the offseason (Scaling Up the Industrial Hemp Supply Chain as Carbon Negative Feedstock for Fuel and Fiber ). Such approaches turn unused land into an oil source in addition to food crops, rather than competing with them. All these factors make hemp oil an attractive, arguably superior, feedstock for sustainable fuels relative to traditional oilseeds. 

Sustainability Pays: Carbon Sequestration and Premium Value 

What truly sets hemp apart is its sustainability benefits, especially carbon sequestration. Industrial hemp is sometimes called a “carbon sink” crop due to its ability to absorb CO₂ at astonishing rates. Studies indicate hemp can absorb more CO₂ per hectare than even fast-growing forests or other commercial crops (CarbonFarmsub0804) (Setting Climate Action Standards in the Hospitality Industry.). In practice, one hectare of hemp can sequester 8–15 tons of CO₂ in a single growing season, roughly on par with or exceeding what an acre of tropical rainforest captures in a year (Hemp (cannabis sativa l.) Is an effective carbon-depositing crop). This carbon is locked away in the plant’s fiber and roots, and can even be stored long-term if the fibers are used in durable products (construction materials, textiles, etc.) (Setting Climate Action Standards in the Hospitality Industry.). IND HEMP and our work with developing our dynamic LCA (life cycle assessment) has supported and verified from cradle to our gate the ability and performance of industrial hemp as an amazing “carbon sink”. Our efforts towards development of a PDD (project design documentation) for SOC (soil organic carbon) through diligent VERRA methodology is proving the ever-increasing value of industrial hemp in multiple markets. 

For fuel producers focused on reducing lifecycle emissions, hemp’s carbon capture offers a double benefit: not only does the resulting biofuel emit far less net carbon than fossil fuel, but the cultivation process itself actively removes CO₂ from the atmosphere. This advantage is so pronounced that hemp has been dubbed “nature’s overachiever” in fighting climate change ([ Fly Without Limits: How Hemp is Revolutionizing Aviation’s Path to Net Zero in 2025. (https://www.einpresswire.com/article/773175713/fly-without-limits-how-hemp-is-revolutionising-aviation-s-path-to-net-zero-in-2025#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHemp%20is%20nature%E2%80%99s%20overachiever%2C%E2%80%9D%20says,changer%20for%20aviation.%E2%80%9D). 

These environmental credentials are not just good for the planet – they are translating into market value. Industry players are already demonstrating a willingness to pay a premium for hemp-based feedstock because of its sustainability profile and carbon credits potential. In the renewable fuels market, lower “CI” (Carbon Intensity) feedstocks earn more value under programs like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Hemp, being ultra-low CI (even carbon-negative when grown optimally), stands to fetch attractive prices from refiners aiming to maximize credit generation. In fact, new initiatives are emerging to directly reward hemp’s carbon sequestration. Under a USDA Climate-Smart Commodities grant (unfortunately now in peril*), project partners were launching “commodity-plus-carbon” contracts – essentially paying farmers not just for the hemp grain, but also for the carbon the crop sequesters (Hybrid Crops of Industrial Hemp for a scalable, sustainable and net-negative feedstock ). This means growers could earn extra income (a premium) for hemp compared to ordinary oilseeds, since buyers (fuel producers or intermediaries) value the embedded carbon offsets. Similarly, at least one SAF startup has built its business model around hemp’s carbon-negativity, planning to monetize carbon removal in construction materials (hemp-based bricks) in order to subsidize the cost of producing hemp SAF. This kind of cross-value innovation underscores that companies see real economic worth in hemp’s sustainability. 

It’s a striking turn of events: a decade ago, hemp seed oil was considered too expensive to use for biofuel (farmers could get higher prices selling it for health foods). But today, the equation is changing. With airlines and energy companies under pressure to decarbonize, many are willing to invest more upfront in sustainable feedstocks like hemp because the long-term payoff – in carbon reduction, brand value, and regulatory compliance – is worth it. In short, hemp’s green premium is paying off. The industry isn’t just viewing hemp oil as another commodity; it’s recognizing it as a high-value, climate-smart feedstock that can command above-average prices. 

IND HEMP’s Role in Pioneering Hemp SAF 

As hemp-based biofuels gain traction, IND HEMP has positioned itself as a leader and key collaborator in this sector. IND HEMP has been proactively working with researchers, biofuel producers, and government programs to advance hemp’s use in SAF and other biofuels. The company operates one of the largest hemp grain processing facilities in North America, which cold-presses hemp seed into oil suitable for both food and fuel applications. This capability, coupled with a strong farmer network, enables IND HEMP to supply consistent volumes of hemp oil for testing and pilot projects. 

Notably, IND HEMP has been actively pursuing being a supplier for SAF trials, helping partners evaluate hemp oil in real-world fuel production. For example, through a DOE-supported project aimed at understanding the novel nature of industrial hemp for CHP, HEFA, and SAF, IND HEMP has submitted to contribute to the supply chain that produces and tests sustainable jet fuel from hemp grain oil. By participating in such initiatives, IND HEMP ensures that its oil meets the stringent quality requirements and that any logistical challenges (like storage, transport, blending) are addressed in collaboration with refiners as well as extraction facilities. These trials benefit domestic partners – e.g. U.S. technology developers and airlines exploring new feedstock options – as well as global stakeholders who are watching the results. Every gallon of hemp-based jet fuel produced in these pilots is a step toward validating hemp’s commercial viability on the world stage. 

Beyond U.S. borders, IND HEMP has engaged with international efforts to expand hemp for multiple applications. The company has shared expertise and is even supporting hemp seed genetics to projects abroad. By fostering such partnerships, IND HEMP helps other countries evaluate hemp’s performance in their climates and integrate it into local SAF supply chains. Likewise, partnerships with innovative biofuel startups (for instance, those converting hemp into both fuels and plastics) allow IND HEMP to collaborate on developing end-to-end solutions. The company’s mission-driven approach – “Food | Feed | Fiber | Planet” – is fully aligned with using hemp to reduce emissions. Whether it’s coordinating with a major refinery project exploring hemp in its feedstock mix or providing data and oil samples to researchers optimizing the HEFA jet fuel process, IND HEMP acts as a critical bridge between hemp farmers and the advanced biofuel industry. This active role not only underscores IND HEMP’s passion but also accelerates the learning curve for everyone involved in hemp-based SAF. 

Blending and Scalability: Small Percent, Big Impact 

One reason fuel producers are excited about hemp-based SAF is that it can be scaled up gradually, without waiting for massive volumes to be available overnight. Currently, jet fuel specifications allow SAF to be used in blends up to 50% with conventional fossil jet fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel – Pathways to Commercial Liftoff). In fact, all airlines today operate on blends (typically 10-50% SAF, depending on availability and routes). This blending requirement means that even a relatively small percentage of hemp-derived fuel can be incorporated into the overall fuel pool to achieve a meaningful carbon reduction. For stakeholders, this is hugely attractive: they can start using hemp-based SAF at low inclusion rates – say 5%, 10%, 20% of a fuel batch – and still claim a greener footprint for that flight, without needing 100% renewable fuel. 

The math is compelling. Imagine a refinery has access to a limited supply of hemp oil – for instance, enough to produce 10 million gallons of neat SAF per year. Blended at just 30% with conventional jet fuel, those 10 million gallons of pure SAF translate into 33+ million gallons of blended jet fuel for airlines. In other words, a little hemp goes a long way. This leverage makes scaling more practical. Airlines and fuel distributors can distribute the available hemp SAF across many flights, rather than having a few flights on 100% SAF and others on 0%. The incremental approach also reduces risk for fuel producers: they can integrate hemp oil processing on a smaller scale initially, co-processing it with other fats/oils, and ramp up as hemp acreage expands. 

From a stakeholder perspective – whether an airline sustainability director or an energy company executive – this lower percentage inclusion strategy means you don’t have to wait for hemp to replace all your fuel to start reaping benefits. Blending hemp SAF even at single-digit percentages already cuts emissions and builds experience. It also eases regulatory compliance; for example, an ASTM-approved 50:50 SAF blend meets all jet fuel safety requirements (Sustainable Aviation Fuel – Pathways to Commercial Liftoff), so there’s no need for special engine modifications or certification beyond what’s already established for SAF. This plug-and-play nature of hemp SAF in existing fuel systems greatly improves its adoption potential. 

Furthermore, using hemp in multi-feedstock blending can hedge against supply volatility. Biodiesel producers have long mixed various oils (soy, canola, waste oils) to meet volume and cost targets. Hemp oil can slot into these systems as another feedstock that augments supplies without overhauling processes. The drop-in compatibility of hemp oil with standard bio-refining techniques means stakeholders see it as a scalable option: they can process hemp oil alongside other oils to produce renewable diesel or jet fuel, adjusting ratios based on availability. As hemp farming grows, that percentage can tick upward. But even at low blends, the impact is significant – both in gallons of fossil fuel displaced and in showcasing the viability of a novel feedstock. 

Market Outlook: A Lucrative Future for Hemp-Based SAF 

The convergence of hemp’s advantages and the booming SAF market suggests an extremely lucrative horizon for hemp-based biofuels. Global demand for sustainable aviation fuel is poised to explode in the coming decade. To put things in perspective, the global SAF market was valued at only about $72 million in 2020, but is projected to reach a staggering $6.26 billion by 2030 – a compound annual growth rate of over 56% (Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market Size, Share | Outlook, 2030). Such exponential growth signals enormous business opportunities for new feedstocks like hemp. Even capturing a fraction of that multi-billion-dollar market would translate to a major new revenue stream for hemp growers and processors. And SAF is just one segment – renewable diesel and other biofuels add further demand. 

Policy environments, while important, are increasingly not the sole driver of this opportunity. Even as government administrations come and go, the aviation industry’s push for decarbonization remains steadfast. In the United States, the previous few years saw strong federal support for SAF (e.g. the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge and tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act). A new U.S. administration might shift priorities or incentive structures, introducing some uncertainty. However, market indicators suggest that hemp-based SAF can be profitable regardless of short-term political changes. Innovative companies in this space are structuring their models to be less dependent on subsidies – for instance, by coupling fuel production with carbon credit generation – precisely to ensure viability if federal subsidies waver. As one SAF developer noted, their business case for hemp fuel “would remain viable regardless of policy changes”. This confidence stems from real economics: airlines worldwide need sustainable fuel, corporate buyers are committing to “book-and-claim” SAF purchases, and carbon markets are valuing low-carbon fuels. 

In addition, global trends are favorable. Europe and other regions are implementing SAF blending mandates, essentially guaranteeing a growing market for renewable jet fuel. Large energy companies and even petrochemical players (like the Honeywell-SGP initiative) are investing in technology to use industrial hemp at scale as a feedstock (Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy to develop plant-based biochemicals, reducing industry’s reliance on fossil fuels). Such moves by big industry players validate that hemp-based fuels are moving toward commercialization, not just experimental trials. “We believe agriculture is the new oil,” one bioenergy firm proclaims, as they integrate hemp into producing SAF and other bio-products (Honeywell and SGP BioEnergy to develop plant-based biochemicals, reducing industry’s reliance on fossil fuels). All these signals point to a robust future where hemp’s role – from farm to flight – could unlock multibillion-dollar markets. 

For IND HEMP, and stakeholders partnering in this journey, the takeaway is clear: hemp-based SAF is on the cusp of breaking out, with strong momentum that transcends political cycles. Market predictions and on-the-ground progress indicate that investing in hemp for biofuel could yield significant returns, both financially and in sustainability impact. As airlines race to hit net-zero targets and fuel producers seek new feedstock streams, hemp stands ready to deliver. What was once a niche idea is rapidly becoming a mainstream contender to fuel the world’s jets sustainably – and profitably. 

Final Thoughts 

Hemp has evolved from an ancient fiber crop into a modern sustainable energy solution. The commercial opportunity in hemp-based sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels is no longer theoretical; it’s here and now, backed by technical validation and accelerating market demand. Industrial hemp oil offers a winning combination of high yields, low environmental impact, and excellent fuel performance that outshines conventional oilseeds in biofuel applications. Fuel producers are recognizing that this “carbon-negative” crop can not only help meet climate goals but also deliver business value – even commanding premium investment because of its green credentials. With active collaboration in SAF trials and supply chains, IND HEMP has positioned itself in helping to unlock hemp’s potential for the energy sector. The company’s work with domestic and international partners underscores how hemp can seamlessly integrate into existing refining systems and global fuel markets. 

As the SAF market surges toward an unprecedented scale, hemp is poised to capture a share of this growth, benefiting farmers, refiners, and airlines alike. Even in the face of policy shifts or new administrations, the momentum behind sustainable aviation fuel is strong – and hemp’s value proposition only strengthens when judged on its own merits. The path forward will involve continued innovation, from agronomy (boosting seed oil yields even further) to refining technology optimized for hemp oil. Stakeholders across the industry can take confidence in the progress to date: hemp has proven it can deliver real results in fuel tanks and in carbon ledgers. 

IND HEMP’s experience and success so far reinforce an authoritative message to the industry: hemp-based SAF is ready for takeoff. With its unparalleled sustainability profile and practical advantages in fuel blending, hemp is no longer an outsider in the biofuel conversation but a rising star. By working together across agriculture and energy sectors, we can scale this solution to meet the aviation industry’s needs. The future of flight is green, and hemp is helping fuel that future – literally. IND HEMP is proud to be at the cutting edge of this revolution, demonstrating leadership in sustainable innovation and proving that what’s good for the planet can also be good for business. The sky is truly the limit for hemp-based sustainable aviation fuel. 

www.indhemp.com 

IG: @indhemp 

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