Dating back to the 1600s, hemp has long been used as a key ingredient to make clothes, cosmetics, building materials and even medicine.
Since 2018 it has been legal to cultivate hemp with official permits in Portugal.
Today, farmers are allowed to grow hemp with oversight from regulators and as a result it has regained popularity - especially in the construction industry.
Not only is hemp fibre durable, but also ecologically beneficial due to its ability to trap carbon dioxide.
In fact, when converted into hemp bricks using lime binder, hemp can store up to 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This process is otherwise known as carbon sequestration.
What are the other benefits of hemp bricks?
Stable
Biodegradable
Renewable
Doesn’t mold/burn
Carbon negative (store CO2)
Ironising
Promote humidity regulation
Good for soundproofing
Faster to produce than wood
It is for these reasons that hemp is becoming increasingly more desirable as a material for construction in an eco-conscious era.
In a recent BBC article, Elad Kaspin shared the story of how his hemp block business ‘Cânhamor’ came into being.
Taking advantage of the reformed hemp laws in Portugal, Kaspin and his business partner Khalid Mansour decided to form the company and remind the construction industry of hemp's many astounding properties.
At first there was a slight reluctance to convert to hemp bricks, Mr Kaspin said, adding:
"The construction sector is a very conservative sector with almost non-existent changes. Many architects and builders do what they have always done. It is not easy to introduce new things.”
This quickly became a problem of the past, with plans to build a new factory on the horizon for Cânhamor.
The current factory currently produces between 4,000 and 10,000 bricks a month (in other words; enough to build three houses!). It is hoped the new factory will churn out around 120,000 blocks a month.
Pillar Partnership looks forward to seeing what’s next for the construction industry and will keep you in the loop!
In the meantime, check out our current vacancies and get in touch on 0203 856 4048 if any roles capture your interest.
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