Restricted by overzealous governments in the UK and US, hemp was seen for much of the 20th century as only being good for dope or, at a push, rope. Thankfully, one of humanity's oldest crops is now having a long-overdue comeback.

Textiles, insulation, biofuel, paper, cosmetics, even food and drink – there seems to be no limit to what an enterprising mind can do with the Cannabis sativa plant. If we are serious about phasing out plastics, then tapping into the myriad opportunities hemp offers is a no-brainer.