CO₂-binding building materials

The benefits of using hemp fiber insulation are many and extensive. Firstly, it has a low thermal conductivity (lambda), which means that it effectively reduces heat transfer and helps maintain a constant indoor temperature. Its high specific heat capacity also makes it particularly effective at storing and releasing heat over time, resulting in a more even and comfortable indoor temperature. Another significant advantage is the hemp fiber insulation's ability to buffer moisture. By absorbing and releasing moisture into the air, it helps regulate indoor humidity levels, creating a more comfortable and healthy environment. In addition, this moisture buffering helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew formation in the building.Another advantage is that hemp fiber insulation has no harmful emissions and is very pleasant to handle. It does not scratch and is therefore often appreciated in the workplace by fitters and craftsmen. Emission tests show very low emissions of harmful substances, which is due to the fact that the insulation does not consist of any harmful substances initially. This combination of properties makes hemp fiber insulation an attractive and durable choice for insulation needs.

Yes, it is legal to grow industrial hemp in many countries around the world, including several countries in Europe, North America and Asia. Industrial hemp is a variant of the hemp plant that is intended for industrial use and contains very low levels of the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the substance that provides the notorious “high power” associated with recreational purposes.In Sweden, the cultivation of industrial hemp has been legal since 2003, following a law change that allowed the cultivation of the hemp plant for industrial use. To grow industrial hemp in Sweden, it is required that the grower use seed varieties approved by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and that a notification about the cultivation be submitted before it starts. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency then carries out random sampling and checks that the registered seed variety is used. There are also rules and regulations governing the handling and use of industrial hemp to ensure that it is used legally and responsibly. Rules and laws surrounding the cultivation of industrial hemp vary from country to country and may be influenced by national laws, international agreements, and local regulations. In many cases, a permit or license is required to grow industrial hemp, and there may be regulations regarding the location of the crop, the handling of the plants, and how the hemp plant may be used. It is important for those interested in growing industrial hemp to understand and comply with the specific laws and regulations that apply in their jurisdiction.

Ekolutions Hemp fiber insulation can be easily installed thanks to the flexibility of the insulation material and is user-friendly for workers to work with. It is recommended to cut the insulation with approximately 20 mm "overdimension" to ensure a good attachment to the structure and thus achieve optimal installation performance.

To install Ekolution Hemp fiber insulation, follow these steps:

1. Measure the area where the insulation will be installed to determine how much hemp fiber insulation you need.

2. Be sure to take into account any gaps or spaces between the insulation and the wall or ceiling structure.

3. Prepare the area for installation by removing any old insulation or debris and making sure the surface is clean and dry.

4. Use a handsaw/knife with a "wavy teeth blade" or an insulation saw from FESTOOL ISC 240 to cut the hemp fiber insulation with approximately 20 mm oversize so that it can be easily flexed into the space.

5. Position the insulation between the joists and gently compress both sides. This allows the insulation to take advantage of its “springy effect” and fit perfect between the joists. When it returns to its original shape, it will fit  against the joists and reduce the risk of any "cold bridges". Be sure to install the necessary vapor barriers or thermal membranes to ensure that the insulation works effectively. Consult us or your local building codes and professionals to choose the right type of wind and vapor membranes.

In summary, installing Ekolution hemp fiber insulation is a relatively simple process that most home owners with basic craftsmanship skills can perform. It is important to follow instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when installing any type of insulation. For more information on mounting please see the assembly instructions for Ekolution hemp fiber insulation or drop us an email.

Ekolution® Hemp fiber insulation is an adaptable and versatile product suitable for a variety of applications in construction and insulation projects. For buildings, the insulation is suitable for various parts of the above-ground climate shell, such as interior walls, outer wall, intermediate joists and roof structures. More detailed suggestions for suitable construction parts can be found in the “Building Systems” section to make it easier for users to choose the right insulation solution for their specific needs.

However, there are some designs in which the use of hemp fiber insulation should be avoided. It is especially true for unprotected structures with high moisture pressure, such as exposed external insulation or insulation in basements where the risk of prolonged exposure to moisture is high. In addition, it is less appropriate to use hemp fiber insulation in constructions where the main function of the insulation is fire protection, especially if the fire classification requires an insulation with higher fire resistance than the hemp fiber insulation can offer (e.g. fire class C or higher).

By carefully considering which designs and uses are suitable for Ecolution hemp fiber insulation and avoiding the limitations mentioned above, one can ensure that the insulation works optimally and contributes to the creation of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.