There are several products made from hemp that are gradually entering the construction industry. For example, hemp chips can substitute wood chips and hempcrete can be used instead of regular concrete.

Hemp can also be used for making paper. Paper from hemp is naturally acid-free and does not become yellow and brittle or disintegrate over time like conventional paper. It is a faster and more efficient way of growing fibre than the use of trees.

Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp shives (a waste product generated when processing hemp into fiber) lime, water and additives like sand. Hempcrete uses much less water than typical concrete and is much lighter. This material produces a passive humidity control system that lowers the buildup of moisture, thus protecting the construction built from hempcrete from moulds and rot. Hempcrete is fire-resistant.

Hemp has an ability to capture carbon. In addition, hemp has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is friendly to people with skin allergies.

Hemp bricks are known to be as hard as stone. They have acoustical and insulating properties. Another advantage is that the rodents keep away from the mixture of hemp and lime.

However, In hot climates, hemp blocks can quickly become dried out and brittle, making them susceptible to crumbling. That is why it might not be suitable for places with hot environments.

Hemp is also a liquid-permeable material, which means it might be better not to use it in underwater constructions.

Hemp is renewable and biodegradable.

Useful links: ‘It’s almost carbon-negative’: how hemp became a surprise building material. The Guardian (2024)