Hemp insulation

Hemp insulation is an eco-friendly material made from fibres or hurd (shives) of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa). It is highly renewable, biodegradable, and offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation performance. The use of hemp in the textile industry dates back thousands of years—mainly for ropes, fabrics, and sails—while hemp insulation itself only became widespread in the 20th and 21st centuries, driven by the growing demand for sustainable and healthy building materials. Production involves mechanical processing: hemp stalks are harvested, crushed, and processed into fibres or woody hurd. These components are then combined with a small amount of binder, formed into boards, mats, or loose-fill insulation, and treated to improve fire and mould resistance. Hemp insulation is vapour-permeable and breathable, naturally resistant to pests, and provides excellent moisture and temperature regulation. It is hygienically safe and durable over time. In the textile sector, hemp insulation is mainly used in technical applications (fillers, backing layers, insulating textiles, and composites), as well as in construction and healthy housing solutions. A major advantage is its low-impact, chemical-free production, making it a promising material for the circular economy.