Hemp fibre insulation boards are organic insulation materials made from plant fibres. In this process, frayed plant stems are pressed into felt mats, with polyester support fibres being incorporated in some cases to improve dimensional stability. The insulating effect is created by the air pockets between the fibres. Boron salts are added to improve the fire behaviour. Hemp fibre insulation boards are robust, moisture-resistant, permeable to diffusion, easy to process and, due to their natural ingredients, resistant to pest infestation. The specific heat capacity and bulk density are somewhat lower than those of wood fibre insulation materials, but they still achieve sufficient thermal insulation in summer and have good sound insulation properties.
The production is made from the by-products of hemp cultivation, which has been allowed again for low-narcotics varieties in Germany since 1996. The simple, pesticide-free cultivation and the short transport routes of the raw material are ecologically sensible. However, the panels are difficult to compost and recycle due to the added flame retardants and polyester support fibres. They are available as dimensionally stable, elastic insulation boards in thicknesses of 40 - 240 mm.
Source: bauwion
