Industry
Hemp has over 25,000 known uses including textiles, composites boards, cosmetics, paints, insulation, construction materials, sunscreen, paper, instrument bodies, plastics, food and medicine.
The hemp plant's stalks are made up of two layers: an outer layer of rope-like bast fibers and an inner layer of woody pith. For textile purposes, only the outer bast fiber layer of the Cannabis sativa stalk is used, while the inner woody layer is typically used for fuel, building materials, and animal bedding.
Hemp fibre is the strongest natural fibre known, weight for weight stronger than steel.
Construction
Hemp is becoming an increasingly popular material in the construction industry due to its sustainability, strength, and versatility.
Key uses for hemp in Construction include:
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Hempcrete is a bio-composite material made from the inner woody core of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder. It is used for construction and insulation purposes. Key benefits include:
Insulation: Excellent thermal and acoustic insulating properties as well as being air tight allowing it to meet todays building standards.
Sustainability: Hemp absorbs CO2 as it grows, and using it in construction helps sequester carbon.
Thermal mass.: hempcrete buildings change temperature slowly and therefore their heating and cooling energy demands are decreased compared to other insulation materials.
Both the insulation and thermal mass work together to make a more energy efficient build.
Regulation of Humidity: Hempcrete naturally regulates humidity, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
Fire Resistance: Hempcrete is fire-resistant due to the lime binder.
Durability: It is resistant to pests and mold, enhancing the longevity of buildings.
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Hemp fibers can be processed into high-density fiberboards, which are used similarly to traditional wood fiberboards. Benefits include:
Strength and Lightness: Hemp fiberboards are strong yet lighter than traditional wood boards.
Eco-friendly: Production of hemp fiberboard is less harmful to the environment compared to conventional wood products.
Low Emissions: Hemp fiberboards can be manufactured with fewer emissions and less energy consumption.
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Hemp fibers are used to create insulation materials that offer several advantages:
Thermal Efficiency: High R-values for thermal insulation.
Breathability: Helps in maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
Non-Toxic: Hemp insulation is free from harmful chemicals found in some traditional insulation materials.
Recyclability: It is biodegradable and can be recycled.
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Hemp can be combined with other materials to create composites and bioplastics used in various construction applications, such as:
Panels and Beams: Strong and lightweight components for building structures.
Fixtures and Fittings: Durable and sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic fittings.
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Hemp fibers are incredibly strong and can be used to reinforce concrete and other materials, improving their tensile strength. This application is still in development but holds significant promise for the future of construction.
Hempcrete
Benefits
Sustainability:
Eco-Friendly: Hemp is a renewable resource that grows quickly and requires fewer pesticides and herbicides than other crops.
Carbon Sequestration: Hemp absorbs more CO2 per hectare than most crops, making it beneficial for reducing carbon footprints.
Material Properties:
Strength: Hemp fibres are strong and durable.
Insulation: Hemp has excellent insulating properties, helping to regulate building temperatures and reduce energy costs.
Lightweight: Hemp-based materials are lighter than traditional construction materials, which can reduce transportation costs and energy
Limitations
Regulatory Issues:
Legal Restrictions: Varying laws around hemp cultivation can affect supply chains.
Building Codes: Not all building codes recognise hemp-based materials, which can limit their use in certain regions.
Cost:
Initial Investment: While hemp materials can reduce long-term costs, the initial investment can be higher than conventional materials.
Hempcrete is a bio-based building material made from the woody core of the hemp plant (hemp hurds), mixed with a lime binder and water. It’s lightweight, insulating, breathable, and fire-resistant — an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials like concrete and brick.
Carbon Capture with Hempcrete
Hempcrete is a natural carbon sink. Hemp plants absorb CO₂ as they grow, and when processed into hempcrete, that carbon stays locked in the material for over a century making it highly efficient for Carbon Capture. Compared to high-energy solutions like DACCS (Direct Air Carbon Capture), hempcrete offers:
Low cost per ton of CO₂ removed
Minimal risk of reversal
High scalability with ecological co-benefits
By building with hempcrete, we can help transition the construction industry — which is responsible for 11% of global emissions — toward net-negative emissions.
Built-In Strengths
Hempcrete walls are durable and safe:
Does not rot even when wet due to breathability and antifungal properties
Fire-resistant, forming a protective char layer under extreme heat
Pest-resistant and long-lasting
Recyclable and Compostable
At the end of its life, hempcrete can be:
Crushed and reused in new hempcrete mixtures
Composted, returning carbon to the soil
Repurposed for future eco-friendly construction
This circular lifecycle supports a regenerative economy.
Aligned with Global Sustainability Goals
Hempcrete contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 6 (Clean Water) – minimal water use, low water pollution
SDG 7 (Clean Energy) – requires no energy-intensive processing
SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) – promotes circular economy jobs
SDG 9 (Industry & Infrastructure) – replaces high-impact building materials
SDG 15 (Life on Land) – restores ecosystems and protects biodiversity
Sustainable From Seed to Structure
Hemp cultivation supports regenerative agriculture:
Grows on marginal land without competing with food crops
Enhances soil health and biodiversity
Reduces need for synthetic fertiliser Can be integrated in crop rotation systems
Plus, hempcrete is made from rapidly renewable, locally sourced materials, reducing dependency on scarce resources like sand and limestone.
Hempcrete Carbon Credits
Hempcrete now qualifies under carbon credit systems thanks to:
Its biogenic carbon capture and long-term storage
Built-in permanence and additionality
Cost-effective carbon removal at just $70–$75 per ton CO₂ (2023–2024 averages)
These credits make it financially viable to scale up hempcrete use — crucial for green building projects.
Textiles
Hemp textiles refer to fabrics and products produced using the fibres from the hemp plant. Hemp has a long history of being used in textiles dating back 4,000 BC in China with some of its earliest known uses.
Hemp has many characteristics which make it ideal in textiles:
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Hemp fibers are naturally long, strong, and tightly woven, making them highly resistant to wear and tear. Garments and fabrics made from hemp last significantly longer than those made from cotton or synthetic fibres, getting softer with every wash without breaking down.
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Low water footprint: Requires up to 4x less water than cotton
Minimal chemical use: Grows well without synthetic pesticides or herbicides
Improves soil: Hemp’s deep roots reduce erosion and remediate contaminated soils (phytoremediation)
Fast-growing: Can be harvested in just 3–4 months, allowing for multiple crops per year
Hemp is also biodegradable and supports circular fashion initiatives.
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Modern processing methods create hemp fabrics that are soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Hemp naturally wicks moisture away from the skin, making it ideal for activewear, bedding, and summer clothing.
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Hemp fabric provides excellent thermal insulation keeping the wearer’s temperature well regulated in all seasons
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Mould & mildew resistant, extending garment life and reducing odor
Naturally UV-resistant, blocking up to 95% of harmful UV rays — great for outdoor clothing
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, making hemp an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin
Hemp Textiles Compared to Cotton and Polyester:
As sustainability becomes central to global fashion and manufacturing, hemp is experiencing a renaissance. It is now a key player in the eco-textile movement, supported by consumer demand and environmental policy shifts.
With the right processing technologies and market support, hemp has the potential to rival cotton in scale while far exceeding it in environmental performance.
Biochar
BioChar is a high-carbon charcoal created through the pyrolysis of biomass waste — a process that locks in atmospheric carbon for 100 to over 1,000 years. But it’s more than just carbon storage: BioChar boosts soil health, supports sustainable agriculture, and enhances material performance across industries.
It’s a nature-based solution with tech-grade reliability, turning waste into value while capturing carbon permanently.
BioChar is produced using a pyrolyser, which heats biomass in the absence of oxygen. This transforms waste into stable carbon and syngas — the latter can be used to generate energy, improving overall efficiency.
Cheap pyrolysers often yield poor results. Augur Associates supports clients in sourcing and financing high-quality systems, often funded through early carbon credit agreements.
Applications of Biochar
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Hemp biochar can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil health, retain nutrients and balance PH making it more suitable for various types of crops..
Hemp biochar can facilitate healthier plant growth through enhancing soil structure, increasing water retention, and improving aeration
It can help retain nutrients in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and preventing nutrient leaching.
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By storing carbon in a stable form, hemp biochar can help in reducing the overall carbon footprint, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
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Hemp biochar can absorb heavy metals and other contaminants from the soil, making it useful for soil remediation projects. It can be used in water filtration systems to remove impurities and contaminants from water sources.
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Item description
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Item description
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Item description
Charcoal Biochar
Feedstock:
Wood-Based: Common Sources
Production Process:
Pyrolysis: Produced through the pyrolysis of wood biomass at high temperatures typically between 300°C and 700°C.
Traditional Methods: Often made using traditional charcoal-making methods, which may vary in efficiency and environmental impact.
Properties:
High Carbon Content.
Porosity: Varies depending on the type of wood and pyrolysis conditions but generally has a high surface area.
Nutrient Content: Generally lower in nutrients compared to biochars made from nutrient-rich biomass; primarily contributes carbon.
BioChar + Carbon Credits
Every tonne of BioChar represents a tonne of CO₂ permanently removed from the atmosphere. These are turned into certified carbon credits, creating a new revenue stream for sustainable businesses.
Benefits of BioChar carbon credits include:
High permanence (100–1000+ years)
Minimal reversal risk (unlike forestry-based credits)
Strong co-benefits for soil, water, and biodiversity
Local production reducing logistics emissions
Market value: ~$140–165/tonne in 2023–2024
Hemp Biochar
Feedstock:
Hemp-Based: Sustainable Source
Production Process:
Pyrolysis: Produced through the pyrolysis of hemp biomass typically at temperatures similar to those used for wood biochar.
Modern Methods: Often produced using more controlled and efficient modern pyrolysis techniques.
Properties:
High Carbon Content
High Porosity: Generally has a very high surface area and porosity, which enhances its ability to retain water and nutrients.
Nutrient Content: Can contain higher levels of certain nutrients compared to wood biochar, depending on the hemp biomass used.
pH Level: Typically neutral to slightly alkaline, beneficial for balancing soil pH.
Environmental Superpowers of BioChar
BioChar’s benefits stretch far beyond carbon capture:
Improves soil fertility and structure
Cuts methane emissions from livestock feed
Helps with water retention and filtration
Supports biodiversity and wildlife habitat
Detoxifies soil from heavy metals & chemicals
Replaces industrial fertilisers and pesticides
Enhances green construction with lower-emission composites
This makes BioChar a powerhouse for achieving the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Hemp Food
The hemp food sector represents a significant area of innovation, wherein various parts of the Cannabis sativa plant are combined with other food ingredients to enhance nutritional value, improve texture, and introduce functional properties. These composites are versatile in nature, with applications ranging from raw consumption to the production of hemp milk, oil, cheese substitutes, and protein powder.
Hemp seeds, in particular, are recognised for their exceptional nutritional profile. They are notably high in healthy fats, with a rich concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, hemp seeds provide an excellent source of plant-based protein, comprising approximately 25% of their total caloric content.
Given the increasing demand for sustainable, allergen-friendly, and nutrient-dense food options, hemp is emerging as a key ingredient in the development of future-focused food products.
Animal Feed and Bedding
Hemp Animal Feed
Hemp is increasingly recognised for its value as a nutrient-rich animal feed. The seeds and other plant parts are used to create high-quality feed for livestock, offering a range of health benefits. Hemp-based feed is rich in essential fatty acids, protein, and fibre, all of which contribute to the well-being of animals. These nutritional components can support various animal health outcomes, including improved digestion, enhanced coat condition, and better overall growth. Hemp is also a particularly beneficial feed for herbivores like cattle, sheep, and goats due to its digestibility and high nutritional content.
The use of hemp in animal feed is seen as an environmentally sustainable choice, as it requires fewer pesticides and fertilisers than many conventional crops, reducing the ecological footprint of animal farming. Additionally, hemp feed can contribute to the reduction of methane emissions from livestock, aligning with modern efforts to create more eco-friendly agricultural systems.
Hemp in Animal Feed
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Hemp Seeds: Can be fed whole, shelled, or as a meal.
Hempseed Oil: Used as a supplement for its high fatty acid content.
Hemp Protein Powder: Added to feed for its high protein content.
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Rich in Nutrients: Hemp seeds and hempseed oil are high in protein, essential fatty acids , and fiber. They also contain vitamins (like E and B vitamins) and minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, and iron).
Balanced Amino Acid Profile: Hemp provides a complete protein source with all essential amino acids, making it highly nutritious for livestock.
Improved Health: The fatty acids in hemp can enhance skin and coat health, improve immune function, and reduce inflammation in animals.
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Livestock (Cattle, Pigs, Sheep): Hemp can be incorporated into their diets to improve overall health and growth rates.
Poultry: Hemp seeds and oil can enhance egg quality and poultry health.
Companion Animals (Dogs, Cats): Often included in pet foods and treats for its health benefits.
Hemp Bedding
Hemp is also gaining prominence as an alternative bedding material for animals, especially in the equine, poultry, and small animal sectors. Hemp bedding is highly absorbent, effectively managing moisture and reducing odour, making it an ideal choice for animal enclosures. Its natural antimicrobial properties help maintain a cleaner environment, reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
Furthermore, hemp bedding is biodegradable and compostable, offering significant environmental benefits over traditional bedding materials such as wood shavings or straw. It is also less dusty, which is advantageous for both the animals and those responsible for their care, promoting better respiratory health.
Overall, hemp's applications in animal feed and bedding provide a sustainable and highly functional alternative to conventional materials, contributing to both animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Hemp in Animal Bedding
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Highly Absorbent: Hemp bedding can absorb more moisture than traditional bedding materials like straw or wood shavings, keeping the living environment dry.
Dust-Free: Reduces respiratory issues in animals, making it suitable for those sensitive to dust.
Biodegradable and Sustainable: Hemp bedding is environmentally friendly and can be composted after use.
Odor Control: Hemp has natural odor-controlling properties, making it ideal for animal enclosures.
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Equine Bedding: Popular for horses due to its absorbency and low dust content.
Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chickens): Provides a clean, comfortable, and odor-free living environment.
Livestock: Used in barns and pens for cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Both hemp and cannabis contain cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), and others and therefore these cannabinoids can be extracted for either as their source. The most common cannabinoid is CBD.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids for Industrial Use
Cannabinoids, the naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant, are becoming increasingly significant for a variety of industrial applications. While hemp contains a diverse range of cannabinoids, the most widely studied and utilised in industrial sectors are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC) are also gaining attention for their unique properties and potential.
Cannabinoids in Pharmaceuticals and Wellness
The pharmaceutical and wellness sectors have seen substantial growth in the use of cannabinoids, particularly CBD, due to their therapeutic potential. CBD-based products are now commonly used in the management of various conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and certain neurological disorders. The pharmaceutical industry is actively developing cannabinoid-based treatments, with ongoing research into their use in both prescription medications and over-the-counter wellness products.
In addition, the increasing consumer demand for CBD wellness products has led to the development of numerous formulations such as oils, tinctures, capsules, creams, and lotions. These products are marketed for their potential benefits in supporting mental health, improving sleep, and managing pain, among other health issues.
Cannabinoids in Food and Beverages
The food and beverage industries are also embracing cannabinoids, particularly CBD, as a functional ingredient. With the rise in demand for functional foods, cannabinoids are being incorporated into a variety of products, including oils, protein bars, smoothies, and even alcoholic beverages. These products are often promoted for their potential to improve wellness, reduce stress, or promote relaxation.
The inclusion of cannabinoids in food and beverage products is subject to stringent regulatory requirements, particularly concerning THC content and labelling standards. As such, the industry is carefully monitoring the regulatory landscape, particularly as the legal frameworks surrounding cannabinoids continue to evolve.
Cannabinoids in Cosmetics and Personal Care
Cannabinoids, especially CBD, have found a place in the cosmetics and personal care industries. Known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturising properties, CBD is increasingly being used in skincare products, including lotions, serums, balms, and soaps. These products are often marketed for their potential to treat conditions such as acne, eczema, and general skin irritation.
CBD’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system may also support the skin’s natural healing processes, making it an attractive ingredient for consumers seeking natural, plant-based skincare solutions.
Industrial Hemp and Cannabinoids in Agriculture
Cannabinoids also have significant applications in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation and processing of hemp. The demand for high-CBD, low-THC strains of hemp has led to more sustainable farming practices, with hemp being a low-input crop that requires fewer pesticides, fertilisers, and less water than many other crops.
The extraction of cannabinoids is a key aspect of their industrial use, with techniques such as CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and distillation employed to isolate and purify cannabinoids. These high-quality extracts form the basis for a growing range of cannabinoid-infused products across industries.
The Cannabis sativa plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids. These compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system and contribute to the plant's diverse range of effects.
Here are a few examples of Cannabinoids:
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CBD is an cannabinoid often consumed as an oil. Its benefits generally include pain relief and relaxation however more research is required into this.
The benefits of CBD do not change whether it is cannabis-derived CBD or hemp-derived CBD.
However, Hemp plants contain more CBD, than the cannabis plant which generally contains higher contents of THC making hemp a more appealing opti
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CBG is a cannabinoid that is gaining attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. It is often referred to as the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the precursor from which other cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, are derived. While research into CBG is still in the early stages, preliminary studies suggest that it may offer benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, support for gut health, and potential neuroprotective properties.
Unlike CBD, CBG is typically found in lower concentrations in most cannabis and hemp plants. However, specific hemp strains can be cultivated to produce higher levels of CBG, making it an appealing option for manufacturers seeking to create targeted products.
The benefits of CBG do not differ whether it is cannabis-derived or hemp-derived, but due to the higher concentrations of CBG in certain hemp varieties, hemp is often the preferred source for industrial production of CBG-based products.
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CBC is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is gaining interest for its potential therapeutic effects. Like other cannabinoids, CBC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, though its specific functions are still being studied. Early research suggests that CBC may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Some studies also suggest that it may contribute to the overall "entourage effect," enhancing the therapeutic effects of other cannabinoids like CBD and THC when used together.
Although CBC is found in relatively low concentrations in both cannabis and hemp plants, certain hemp strains can be bred to produce higher levels of CBC, making it a viable option for manufacturers looking to incorporate this cannabinoid into wellness products.
As with other cannabinoids, the benefits of CBC do not differ whether it is cannabis-derived or hemp-derived, but hemp offers a more practical source due to its higher yields of CBC and its compliance with legal regulations regarding THC content.
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CBDV is a lesser-known cannabinoid that is closely related to CBD (Cannabidiol). Like CBD, CBDV is non-psychoactive and does not produce a "high." It is primarily found in certain strains of cannabis and hemp, although its concentration tends to be lower than that of CBD. CBDV has drawn attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of neurological conditions such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders.
Preliminary studies suggest that CBDV may help reduce seizures and improve the symptoms of conditions like epilepsy by interacting with receptors in the brain. Research also indicates that CBDV may have anti-inflammatory properties, though more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
While CBDV is not as widely known as CBD or THC, its potential for supporting neurological health has made it an area of interest for researchers and manufacturers, particularly in the medical cannabis industry. Hemp-derived CBDV products may become more prevalent as breeding techniques evolve to increase CBDV concentrations in hemp strains.