Industrial hemp - Herba di Berna

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.

Hemp as a building material is becoming increasingly important and is seen in the construction industry as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials such as concrete and steel. The use of hemp as a raw material in construction offers numerous advantages and is a promising trend. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various aspects of using hemp building materials and why hemp has the potential to be the building material of the future.

Hemp for a sustainable construction industry

Sustainable construction with materials like Hempcrete.(Stephen Craven / WISE: Sustainable construction in practice)

Hemp is a sustainable crop that grows fast & undemanding and requires little water. During growth, hemp absorbs large amounts of CO2. Compared to the cultivation of cotton, for example, hemp requires only about half the amount of water. Unlike conventional building materials such as concrete or bricks, hemp is biodegradable and therefore has a lower impact on the environment. The good insulating effect of hemp building materials reduces the required heating energy. Hemp is thus more environmentally friendly than many other building materials can be a sustainable alternative.

Hemp as a building material: built to stay

Hemp building material is durable and resistant. Hemp fibers are naturally resistant to mold and insects, providing a natural layer of protection against moisture and pests. Hemp fiber insulation materials have high insulation performance and are moisture regulating, which contributes to a healthy indoor climate. Hemp is therefore well suited as an insulation material, for example, also in the renovation of old buildings.

Hemp as a building material: an all-rounder

Hemp as a building material in the form of Hempcrete wall — Wall from “Hempcrete”*(Jnzl’s Photos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons*)

Hemp can be used not only as insulation, but also as a building material for walls and floors. Hempcrete, also known as “Hempcrete”, is a mixture of hemp, lime and water and can be used to make walls and partitions. Hemp fibers can also be made into hemp carpets, which are durable and long-lasting. Building materials made of hemp are thus versatile and offer numerous possibilities.

Conclusion

Utility hemp offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive material in construction. Its environmentally friendly properties, durability, and versatility make hemp a building material of the future. The use of hemp as a raw material in construction is thus a promising way to make a positive contribution to environmental protection. We are curious to see what the experience of the first hemp houses from Holland will bring.

How we grow our hemp sustainably

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Industrial hemp as a raw material