By Blake Jackson
The University of Kentucky (UK) is pioneering a sustainable twist on flooring – hemp. Led by UK hemp specialist Bob Pearce, the North Farm transformed its hemp crop into durable flooring for its facilities. This project not only benefits the environment but also provides valuable hands-on learning for students.
Pearce, familiar with Kentucky-based HempWood's innovative flooring product, saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice. "Usually, we don't see the final product after crops leave the farm," he explains. "Here, we witnessed the entire process, from field to floor."
The hemp stalks are crushed, dipped in a soy-based glue, and dried like tobacco. Compressed into dense blocks, the cutting method determines the final grain pattern. The resulting panels are then mounted on a soy-glue plywood backing, creating a robust floor exceeding hickory's hardness by 20%.
This project extends beyond UK's walls. "We're proud to partner with UK," says Greg Wilson, CEO of HempWood. "Kentucky-grown hemp, processed by Kentuckians, becomes flooring for Kentucky schools. It aligns perfectly with our vision of safe and healthy spaces for learning." HempWood's commitment to sustainability and quality earned them the title of "2024 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky."
Pearce, primarily focused on tobacco for most of his career, is enthusiastic about hemp's potential. "Kentucky agriculture is evolving," he observes. "New crops like hemp offer exciting possibilities for our farmers. Being part of this research is truly rewarding."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: Kentucky, Education