Hexcore JV creates high environmental impact for Wandarra

The Hexcore JV creates high environmental impact for Wandarra biomass outputs (hurd, fibre and dust). The JV will see locally grown biomass processed and manufactured into low carbon sustainable and compliant building products creating advanced manufacturing jobs and regional development. As Australia grapples with housing shortages and the challenges of constructing 1.2 M new homes. Industrial hemps (seed to product in 120 days) can alleviate building material shortages. Our environment also benefits as the sequestered atmospheric carbon captured within the biomass (direct air capture) is stored long term in housing and construction products. PR-EN – Wandarra HEXCORE Wandarra 9.10.24 v2

Revolutionary Partnership Announced: How Wandarra and PAPACKS® Aim to Turn the Tide on Plastic Waste in Australia

Townsville, North Queensland, July 10, 2024 – Wandarra, an innovative ag-tech solutions firm based in Townsville, North Queensland, and PAPACKS®, a global leader in sustainable packaging based in Cologne, Germany, are excited to announce a strategic partnership via a recently executed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The parties are currently working together to formalize the Australia-APAC exclusive IP licensing agreement with the target end date intended over the next few weeks.This partnership aims to transform the packaging industry across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, reducing plastic waste and supporting environmental sustainability by leveraging Wandarra’s regional resources and PAPACKS®’ cutting-edge technologies. Wandarra, based in the eco-friendly hub of Townsville near the Great Barrier Reef, capitalizes on its robust and efficient logistics network to distribute innovative hemp-based products. This location underscores Wandarra’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions the company as a leader in climate protection, the circular economy and regenerative agriculture. Townsville’s logistics network, including rail, road, sea, and air, enables Wandarra to efficiently distribute goods and services. Initially, with sustainable alternatives through Smart Precinct NQ Queensland, the partnership will target the fresh produce sector, a vital industry in North Queensland, aiming to replace single-use plastics. The Circular Economy program supported by this partnership, aims to develop sustainable packaging solutions to replace single-use plastics and position the region as a leader in this industry. PAPACKS® provides a turnkey solution, including equipment training and commissioning, to ensure seamless production and adoption of sustainable packaging technologies. The production timeline plans for initial testing by way of samples produced in Germany, and delivered to North Queensland, to accommodate local consumer preferences. Concurrently, the Australian production team will be trained in Germany on the production lines, followed by commissioning and acceptance of the equipment and transport to the final Wandarra production site. This phase is scheduled to start in Q4 2024. PAPACKS® also offers expertise from over 75 patent families, including the preparation and processing of hemp as the most sustainable fiber raw material. Over the past seven years, PAPACKS® has advanced these developments with HempPulp® to achieve optimal product results. Australia generates 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material annually, with only 49% being recycled. This collaboration will have significant market impact by introducing world-leading sustainable packaging solutions, that include the reduction of landfill waste and marine litter. It will also enhance industrial hemp cultivation in North Queensland and position Wandarra as a strong innovator and leader in the Asia-Pacific region. Quote from Steve Tiley, CEO of Wandarra “North Queensland’s responsibility to the Great Barrier Reef is unique, and the news of plastic detected on the outer reef is disturbing. Our collaboration with PAPACKS® provides an immediate solution for food and beverage manufacturers to meet their sustainability goals. The PAPACKS® team has developed world-leading technology that started as a concept in a garage, just 10 years ago. Their perseverance in research and development is an outstanding achievement.”

Seed Harvest

Wandarra has established and harvested the first HEMP FIBRE crop in North Queensland  

Seed Dryer

Wandarra is the first in the Burdekin Region to own and operate a commercial seed dryer, the Agridry Predator mobile batch dryer, capable of drying down to 2% moisture levels using its 23cubic meters of direct fan forced heat. Ideal for grain and oil seeds, maximising quality by drying on site before being transported and minimal manual handling.  

Porsche introduces first race car made of hemp: 718 cayman gt4

The new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, the follow-up to the Cayman GT4 racer, is finally here! They have made it faster than the previous model and greener. Some components of the vehicle are made out of Flax and Hemp. They took flax and hemp fibers and arranged them to compose a similar pattern that one would find in components built from carbon fiber. It is the first ever race car to be made out of hemp. Read Full Story Here: https://www.intelligentliving.co/amp/porsche-hemp-718-cayman-gt4/

Canada’s alberta province pushes dual cropping for fiber and grain

The Canadian province of Alberta is moving fast to develop infrastructure to support dual-cropping of hemp grain and fiber through ambitious initiatives that look to expand the output of raw materials amid projections that hemp farming and processing will grow exponentially in the coming years. Canada’s top hemp producer, Alberta turns out roughly 40% of the country’s total output from an estimated 40,000 acres grown in the province. Those fields could reach a million acres within five years, the Alberta Hemp Alliance has predicted, providing potentially massive amounts of waste hemp stalks from local grain farmers. “By purchasing hemp directly from Alberta’s farmers and processing it here in the province, these projects will mitigate production risks for producers and create new value-added hemp products that will help grow Alberta’s thriving hemp industry,” Marie-Claude Bibeau, the federal government’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said following the recent announcement of a total CAD $900,000 (US $720,000/€708,000) in grants earmarked for two Alberta-based hemp companies. Read full story here: https://hemptoday.net/canadas-alberta-province-pushes-dual-cropping-for-fiber-and-grain/  

Food Manufacturing Research in North QLD

Wandarra’s subsidiary, Full Harvest Solutions, and CSIRO are currently researching food manufacturing opportunities in North QLD, for high value protein ingredients (such as plant based protein and other oil seed crops). Read more about this at: https://www.csiro.au/en/research/production/food/plant-protein-hub-north-qld

Wandarra industrial hemp varietal research

Last month Wandarra Agronomist, Luke Hargreaves commenced industrial hemp varietal trial Number 5 with the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at the Burdekin research station. The purpose of this trial is to continue to research & investigate varietal response to the increase in day length, after the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.

Wandarra industrial hemp varietal research september update

Industrial hemp, with its diverse range of applications, is becoming an increasingly important crop globally. In Australia, the pursuit of sustainable and profitable hemp production has led to intensive research and development efforts. One such endeavor is the Wandarra Industrial Hemp Varietal Research Project, which aims to explore and refine the cultivation of hemp varieties suitable for Australian conditions. In this September update, we delve into the latest findings and progress of this exciting venture. Wandarra: A Hub of Hemp Innovation Located in the heart of Australia’s agricultural landscape, the Wandarra research site serves as a hub for pioneering industrial hemp cultivation techniques. Led by a team of dedicated researchers and agronomists, this project has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of hemp and its potential as a viable agricultural commodity. Varietal Selection: A Critical Factor One of the key components of the Wandarra project is the meticulous selection of hemp varieties. September marked an important phase in this research, as the team evaluated the performance of various hemp cultivars under local climatic conditions. The goal is to identify strains that exhibit adaptability, high yield potential, and quality characteristics suitable for diverse end products. Climate Resilience Hemp is known for its resilience, but its performance can vary depending on climate conditions. September presented researchers with a range of weather patterns, from early spring rains to bright, sunny days. This variability allowed the team to assess how different hemp varieties respond to diverse climate scenarios. Preliminary findings suggest that certain cultivars are better suited to withstand fluctuations in temperature and rainfall, offering farmers greater stability in their crops. Sustainable Practices In line with Australia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, the Wandarra project prioritizes environmentally friendly practices. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to hemp cultivation that minimize water use, reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and promote soil health. These practices align with global efforts to develop hemp as a sustainable crop that benefits both growers and the planet. Community Engagement and Education The Wandarra Industrial Hemp Varietal Research Project extends beyond the research fields. It actively engages with local communities, providing education on the benefits and opportunities associated with industrial hemp. Workshops, field days, and public forums have been integral in demystifying hemp cultivation and encouraging the adoption of this versatile crop. Future Outlook As the Wandarra project progresses, it holds immense promise for the Australian hemp industry. The September update marks another step toward unlocking the full potential of this remarkable plant. By identifying resilient varieties and promoting sustainable practices, this research initiative is contributing to a more prosperous and environmentally conscious agricultural landscape.