Development and validation of hydrophobic molded pulp nursery pots made of hemp hurd

Biodegradable nursery pots (BNPs) composed of 50 % hemp hurd and 50 % recycled cardboard fibers (w/w dry basis) were produced using a custom-built handheld molded pulp device. Milling followed by sequential peracetic acid and sodium hydroxide delignification treatment reduced lignin content of hemp hurd from 23.76 % to 2.39 %, liberating cellulose and hemicellulose fibers for enabling the formation of interfiber interactions in molded pulp formulations. Beeswax and precipitated calcium carbonate based hydrophobic coating at ∼10 μm thickness significantly enhanced hydrophobicity of the BNPs, as indicated by the surface contact and sliding angle of 116.25° and 34.82°, respectively. Anaerobic biodegradability of BNP was confirmed via carbon dioxide and methane gas accumulation measurements. Developed BNPs were successfully validated through an eleven week greenhouse planting trial. This study introduced a new biodegradable molded pulp formulation made from hemp hurd and validated its application as an alternative to single use plastic nursery pots for growing seedlings.