In 2019 Porsche unleashed a car constructed with hemp. The 718 Cayman GT4 Sportsclub contained doors that use organic fibre mixture based largely from hemp and flax.
This replaces the usage of standard carbon fibre. Porsche says the substance is similar in weight and is an eco-friendlier alternative. The Clubsport also features racing seats, a 425 hp 3.8-liter flat-six engine, roll cage, 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, fuel cell, racing brakes and suspension. The organic mixture of hemp and flax on the doors provide weight reduction.
Back in 1941, Henry Ford created a car made entirely from plastic that was said to have used cellulose from hemp, soybeans, and wheat in its structure. Now, after over 70 years later Porsche interpreted it in one of their own cars.
Too add to this, a man named Bruce Dietzen built his own car made of hemp and it runs on biofuel. The innovative hemp car, made by Bruce, was a rebodied early-gen Mazda Miata. Made from 65% woven hemp and 35% bio-epoxy, which hardens and offers rigidity, the Renew Sports Car is lighter and more durable than anything on the market right now.
It’s excellent to see a major car company like Porsche use hemp in one of their models. It goes to show it can be used and hopefully at a larger scale so it can bring all of its benefits mainstream.
