CARS COULD BE MADE FROM HEMP IN 10 YEARS

SYDNEY - Cars made from the cannabis plant could be on the road within 10
years, Australian researchers said yesterday.

A team from the University of New South Wales is developing a plant- based
and biodegradable material as the disposal of metal bodies becomes
increasingly expensive.

Alan Crosky, a member of the team, said hemp was more suitable than
material from other plants, such as coconut or banana.

"Disposal of old cars is a growing problem," said Mr Crosky. "It is only a
matter of time before disposal becomes the owners responsibility and the
consumers are forced to pay the full life-cycle costs of their cars."

Mr Crosky said the hemp material was renewable and lightweight, and further
tests would determine its strength and durability. "In theory, a
plant-based material should absorb more impact than metal, but we want to
check the hemp to see if any weaknesses develop as it grows," he said.

While the research is in its infancy, Mr Crosky said it might take a decade
for hemp cars to become viable.