The hemp straw production gives 25 % of fibre and 75% of shives. The research, conducted by the Institute of Natural Fibres & Medicinal Plants in Poznan, proved high energetic value (about 18 MJ kg(-1)) of shives used for briquettes production, which does not require additional drying. A shives burning process emits less sulphur compounds than the burning of oil fuel or coal, which has a positive impact on the environment. The yield of hemp straw produces 10-15 tons of biomass from 1 hectare plantation. It is estimated that cultivation of 1 ha of hemp absorbs about 2.5 tons of CO2, which contributes significantly to lessening of the greenhouse effect.
