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.

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.

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.

Hemp as a building material of the future

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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.