Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Publication
    THE APPLICATION OF HEMP IN BIOECONOMY
    (2021) ;
    Dagnija Blumberga
    ;
    Global trends in the world are currently representing a serious incentive to bring ‘green thinking’ to life. This is the case of replacing synthetic materials derived from fossil resources with natural-origin, renewable resources. In the automotive industry and other segments of the manufacturing industry, increasing attention is being paid to the use of natural fibers in the manufacturing of composite materials. For example, flax and hemp fiber, as reinforcing material, is starting to widely replace carbon fiber. It is not just an ecological benefit, but also an important product protecting human health, since the amount of emissions that pollute the environment is minimized. Consequently, that lead to reduced intake by human being of harmful substances that would affect its health status. Existing composite materials used in motor vehicles, produced from carbon fibers, are creating very sharp fracture areas in the event of accidents causing human injury, while materials from natural fiber plants in this case are free from sharp edges at the place of fracture. Raw materials derived from hemp processing are used in the automotive, textile industry, construction (hemp concrete, heat insulation material), energy, biofuel production, arts and design, paper production, food, medicine, etc. This paper covers the main types of products derived from hemp.
  • Publication
    Sustainability dilemma of hemp utilization for energy production
    (2023) ;
    Nidhiben Patel
    ;
    Krista Laktuka
    ;
    Kristiana Dolge
    ;
    Ivars Veidenbergs
    ;
    Dagnija Blumberga
    With global energy demand rising and climate change targets becoming more ambitious, the use of biomass for combustion will become even more important than it already is. As wood supplies become scarce, leading to increased demand for materials and energy, the demand for alternative solid biofuels for energy use is growing. Using various biobased raw materials seem to be the best way to optimize the value chain of solid biomass fuels. Biomass has high energy density, homogeneous physical properties, easy handling and efficient transportation. Combining multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and life cycle analysis (LCA), this article evaluates the utilization of hemp for a number of uses, including energy generation. The methodology developed combines agrotechnological and sustainability criteria with data analytic techniques for more effective application of hemp products in changing environmental, economic, and geopolitical contexts. According to the results of the research conducted, the use of hemp as an energy source is a viable option only in the short term.
    Scopus© Citations 1
  • Publication
    When Reed Application is Sustainable
    (2022)
    Alise Anna Stipniece-Jekimova
    ;
    ;
    Dagnija Blumberga
    Reed biomass is a widespread resource available in large quantities all over the world, it is fast growing, there is no need for cultivation, harvesting and use des not compete with any other industries. Despite all this, reed is still not widely used and many potential use alternatives have not been researched. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate reed biomass use alternatives for sustainable resource management. A combination of multicriteria analysis methods was used to achieve the goal, which includes assessment of different, mutually incomparable factors, also considering the importance of each of them. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to verify the results. Complex index was developed to evaluate the commercialization potential of each alternative. The best alternatives for reed biomass use are in energy and construction sector, however some innovative products also have promising results. Biorefinery concept is most promising for commercialization of reed biomass in Latvia, however further studies should be carried out to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of reed biomass as a resource for bioeconomy and sustainable development in Latvia.