Brand owners
HemCell is a registered trademark with solid patents in many countries, and this protects a technology and brand name for a market of over 4 billion consumers.
From its base in India, the palm leaf is collected from existing small-scale betel nut plantations. The leaf material is agricultural waste there. This is collected and after sorting, part of it is used locally for,making the well-known plates and bowls, among other things,. The rest is cleaned, collected and dried and offers extra income for the small-scale farming family. After collection, it is processed in stages into a fine powder form and packed dry and moisture-free for shipment. With the help of micro-finance and local engineering, this is where we have developed a dedicated machine and a factory setup.
Currently, approximately 1,500 families earn their living from the palm leaf waste purchased by HemCell.
By using our palm leaf material (known as GEN II) with approximately 50% PLA (known as GEN I), we are already achieving a C02 reduction when compared to 100% Virgin PLA. But right now, access to plantations and agricultural cooperatives in India offers ample opportunities for further C02 reduction through compensation options with local parties.
A first study has demonstrated that C02 neutrality for HemCell Resin (the granulate) is possible. Expanding it into a product for your brand is definitely also a possibility.
In addition to patents and trademark registration, HemCell has also obtained the required certifications. The material is TUV Food Contact Safe (OM3) and does not migrate into food during 15 minutes at 100°C or during 2 hours at 70°C.. Formulations are also possible that are free of odour and flavour. Various studies have proven that cold soil-composting can be done.
What is of particular relevance is that during composting, all matrix compounds in the polymer/bioplastic actually break down, leaving behind no harmful micro- or nanoplastics in the environment. FTIR -infra red material studies during the composting process have shown this.
Microplastics are a growing problem that only now (after smoking and sugar) seems as if public awareness about it is starting to emerge.
Another aspect, with a view to protecting the invention and the products made with it, is the DNA research that we have had carried out on “our” palm tree, known as the Areca betel nut palm tree. Here it appears that our own DNA is recognisable in the leaf material.
Even more important is that we can trace back the DNA of a product in which this material is used with a so-called RT-PCR test, by now very well known due to Covid 19.
https://www.nvmm.nl/covid-19/publiek/diagnostiek/pcr-testen/
This way, we can protect valuable IP together, but it also offers opportunities for tracing, monitoring shelf life and external influences on the palm DNA, to name a few examples.
