Tag: Industrial hemp

All about hemp concrete

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In recent years, hempcrete, also known as hemp lime, has become a popular choice for sustainable construction. is a mixture of hemp fiber, lime and water and has many advantages over conventional building materials.

Hemp hurds(Nawaro, Wikimedia Commons)

What is hemp concrete?

Hempcrete is a sustainable building material made from hemp hurds, lime and water. Hemp hurds are a by-product of hemp cultivation. They are produced during the production of hemp fibers. The shives are mixed with lime and water to create a cementitious substance.

Hemp lime has many advantages over conventional building materials such as concrete and brick. Some of the advantages are:

  • Sustainability: Hemp fibers are renewable and environmentally friendly. The hemp plant requires little water and is easily done without pesticides or herbicides. With sustainably grown hemp, hempcrete has a negative carbon footprint because the fibers store CO2 in the building material.
  • Insulation capacity: hempcrete has a high insulation capacity, making it an excellent building material for thermal and sound insulation. Thermal insulation is better than concrete or brick.
  • Fire resistance: despite being an organic material, hemp lime is not highly flammable and is fire resistant or at least fire retardant when used carefully. [1]
  • Mold resistance: hempcrete is resistant to mold growth and can therefore help improve indoor air quality.
  • Lightweight: hemp lime is lighter than conventional building materials, which leads to easier and faster installation. It is also easier to transport and handle.
Lightweight chipboard from hemp hurds
Lightweight chipboard made from hemp hurds(elya, Wikimedia Commons)

Use of hemp building material

Hemp concrete is used for a variety of construction projects. Some of the most common uses are:

  • House construction: hempcrete is used for the construction of walls, ceilings, floors and roofs. It is also an excellent building material for thermal and sound insulation.
  • Renovation: Hemp lime can be used for renovation projects to insulate existing walls and floors.

How to make hemp concrete

The production is relatively simple. The hemp hurds are first cut into small pieces and then mixed with lime and water. The mixture is then poured into molds and laid out to dry.

Structure of hemp lime(Romancito77, Wikimedia Commons)

What is the cost of hemp building material?

Hemp lime is slightly more expensive compared to conventional building materials. The exact cost depends on the region where you live and the availability of the material. In general, however, hempcrete can be a good investment because of its excellent insulating properties and durability, which can lead to long-term cost savings. In addition, the shives are a by-product of fiber production. Thus, both the hemp textile industry and the construction industry can be supplied in one production.

Disadvantages of hemp concrete

Despite its many advantages, hemp lime also has some disadvantages that should be taken into account. Some of the disadvantages are:

  • Sensitivity to water: hempcrete is more sensitive to moisture and water than other building materials. It must therefore be maintained regularly to avoid moisture damage. However, there are also successful experiments in which the hemp shives used were “impregnated.” [2]
  • Weaker than concrete: hemp lime is not as strong as concrete and brick. It may therefore not be the best choice for high-rise buildings or other buildings subject to extreme loads.

Conclusion

Hemp concrete is a promising alternative to conventional building materials that allows for environmentally friendly and sustainable construction. It has many advantages, such as excellent insulation capacity, fire resistance and mold resistance. Although there are some drawbacks, such as a longer drying time and sensitivity to moisture, hempcrete can be a good investment because it can save money in the long run. So if you’re an environmentally conscious builder or owner looking for sustainable building materials, hempcrete could be the right choice for your next construction project.

Other applications of hemp as a building material of the future

Hemp fibers in the textile industry

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Hemp fiber has been known for centuries as one of the most versatile and sustainable fiber crops. Most recently, however, they have been heavily displaced by the global trade in cotton and later synthetic fibers, and by regulatory restrictions. They are obtained from the stems of the hemp plant and have many advantages over other fiber materials. In this article we will take a closer look at the advantages of hemp fiber in the textile industry.

Hemp fibers: Durable and Hardwearing

Hemp fibers are very durable and long-lasting. They are up to four times stronger than cotton and last much longer than many other fiber materials. Therefore, garments made of hemp are a worthwhile investment, as they last longer and thus consume fewer resources. And: who likes to have to throw away the new favorite shirt after only a short time?

Hemp fiber, hemp wool, hemp canvas and hemp shells
Various textile products made from commercial hemp(D-Kuru, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons)

Breathability and moisture management

Hemp fibers are naturally breathable and have excellent moisture management. This means that they can absorb moisture and release it quickly, resulting in cool and dry comfort. This is particularly advantageous for sportswear and underwear.

Sustainability and environmental compatibility of hemp fibers

Hemp fiber is one of the most environmentally friendly fiber crops. They require less water and pesticides compared to cotton, making them a more sustainable choice. In addition, hemp is a fast-growing plant that can often be grown several times a year. This also reduces land consumption. And finally, if a garment lasts longer and is replaced less quickly, that has a big impact on sustainability.

Sustainable hemp cultivation with living soil

Versatility and design possibilities

Hemp fibers can be used in a variety of fabrics and offer a wide range of design possibilities. They can be made into fine or coarse textiles and are able to absorb color and pressure well. In addition, hemp has a natural luster and pleasant to the touch.

The areas of application of hemp fibers in the textile industry

Of course, we are not going to suddenly replace all synthetic fibers and cotton with hemp fibers from one day to the next. However, hemp is already used in the textile industry for a variety of products, including clothing, bedding, towels, bags and shoes. Especially in outdoor clothing hemp is often used because of its breathability and durability.

More and more designers and manufacturers are turning to hemp fibers because they are more environmentally friendly and durable than other materials. However, hemp clothing is not only sustainable, but also stylish and trendy. Many fashion labels now offer a hemp collection and show that sustainable fashion can be quite chic.

Industrial hemp as a raw material

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Hemp is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for various purposes. In the 17th century, the cultivation of hemp as a raw material reached a peak: all the sails and ropes of ships were made of hemp fibers, and had to be replaced about every 2 years. [1] There are several reasons for the decline in the use of commercial hemp. In addition to new technologies such as cotton, paper made from wood, and later the invention of synthetic rope, restrictive drug policies starting in the U.S. also made it difficult to grow commercial hemp. More recently, however, the use of hemp as a raw material has increased again in many industries. For good reasons – hemp is extremely versatile and can be grown sustainably. Unlike cotton, hemp also grows very well in the European climate.

Useful hemp as a building material

Hemp is an ideal building material for the construction of houses and other buildings. It is durable, lightweight and has excellent insulating properties. Hemp is often mixed with lime or clay to make hemp-clay bricks, which are used as building materials. Hemp can also be used as an insulating material in walls, ceilings and floors.

Hemp as a building material of the future

Hemp as paper raw material

Hemp is also an excellent raw material for paper production. Unlike conventional paper raw material made from wood, hemp does not contain lignins, which can lead to a high acid content and thus affect the durability of the paper. Hemp paper is stronger and more durable than conventional paper.

Hemp paper – the alternative to trees

Utility hemp as clothing material

Hemp can also be made into clothing. It is a soft and breathable material that feels comfortable against the skin. Hemp clothing is durable and resistant to wear and tear. It’s also a sustainable choice, as hemp requires less water and fertilizer than other fibers.

Comfortable clothes from hemp

Hemp as food

Hemp can also be used as food. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of protein, fiber and essential fatty acids. They can be used as an ingredient in smoothies, salads and other dishes. Hemp seed oil is a valuable ingredient, especially for cold cooking.

Hemp seeds: delicious superfood

Industrial hemp is a versatile and sustainably available raw material that is used in many industries. Use as a building material, paper raw material, clothing material and food is just a selection of the many possibilities hemp offers.