Hemp in the building industry: the ecological revolution is coming

Hemp in construction is back on the agenda. Ukraine used to be a leader in hemp cultivation, however, the industry has declined because of the difficult legislative situation.

On 13 July 2023, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted in the first reading for the government draft law №7457, which aims to legalise cannabis for medical purposes. This draft law sets to regulate the circulation of plants of the hemp family in the medical, industrial, scientific and technical fields.

Its adoption makes possible the legislative recognition of the potential of cannabis in medicine and other areas, allowing for further progress in the use of this plant in building applications and other industries.

Nowadays, the use of industrial hemp in building applications is on the rise like never before. So, we are going to look at all the benefits of this material.

1. HEMP FIBRE: THE SUPERPOWER AND VERSATILITY

You will be surprised by hemp fibre strength, thermal and sound insulation capabilities. Technical hemp is resistant to salt water and has antibacterial properties, making it an ideal material for the construction of green buildings.

2. HEMP BUILDING MATERIALS: STRONG CONCRETE AND LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTIONS

Industrial hemp is used to create hemp concrete and lightweight constructions. Hemp concrete is extremely strong and able to absorb sounds and retain heat. It is also resistant to fire and moisture. Lightweight constructions made from hemp fibre provide strength and stability to building elements and reduce the consumption of wood.

3. HEMP INSULATION AND LINING

Hemp fibres from this material can be used as a great raw material for insulation and lining. These materials replace traditional materials such as mineral wool or foam in the building industry and offer an eco-friendly alternative. They are known for their high thermal and sound insulation, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.

4. HEMP INNOVATIONS: TEXTILES

Hemp fibres are used to produce eco-friendly textiles that are strong, durable and antibacterial. Hemp textiles in modern construction projects are gaining popularity.

Nonwovens manufacturer K.TEX offers a wide range of hemp products that not only provide high thermal and sound insulation but also offer new opportunities for construction projects. Here are some of them:

• Hemp laminate underlayment – this material is used for laying flooring. It fills in surface irregularities and provides high heat and sound insulation, creating a comfortable indoor environment.
• Hemp interlocking insulation – this material is used for sealing between logs during the construction of wooden houses. It provides effective heat and sound insulation and moisture regulation, allowing you to create energy-efficient and comfortable rooms.
• Hemp insulation – this material is used for wall insulation, production of sandwich panels, frame houses, repair of roofs, attics, walls, external and internal partitions. It provides high thermal and sound insulation and is an environmentally friendly material that does not produce harmful substances indoors. The lambda (λ) of K.TEX hemp insulation is 0.021 W/mK.
• Hemp needle punched fabric – this material is used for hemp walls and is an interesting and environmentally friendly option for building insulation. It is made from the fibres of the hemp stem and has several unique properties.
  

These hemp-based products from K.TEX represent environmentally friendly and efficient solutions for modern buildings. They help to save energy, improve heat and sound insulation, and ensure a comfortable and sustainable environment in buildings.

So, the use of hemp in construction is not only a return to old traditions but also the beginning of a new era of environmental responsibility. With innovative hemp materials such as concrete, insulation, and textiles, we are opening up new opportunities for energy efficient and sustainable buildings. The use of hemp in construction helps to conserve resources and enable a healthy future for our planet.