Hemp is an extraordinary plant which is gaining worldwide recognition due to its numerous applications and benefits. Utilizado há milénios em diversas culturas, este recurso natural está a emergir como uma solução versátil e sustentável para os desafios ambientais e industriais da atualidade.
Thankfully, though, recognition of the plant as a regenerative, environmentally-friendly crop is once again growing worldwide, and its commercial applications in a range of industries – including sustainable green architecture – are increasing in ever-more creative and innovative ways.
Then…
Hemp was one of the first plants to be cultivated for its fibre, and numerous ancient civilizations have used it for its range of properties, in a religious context and as a raw material for many, many applications. Fragments of hemp cloth discovered in Mesopotamia have been dated back to 8,000 BC, and we know that it has appeared in the documentation of cultures all over the world.
Written records show the Chinese used the plant to produce rope, fishing nets, paper and medicines. Historically, it was listed in official documents along with silk and lead, which demonstrates its value to the society.
In India, where it is known as ‘bhang’, it was revered in the Hindu religion and used as an elixir to promote bravery and resilience in battle; while throughout Africa and the Middle East, hemp also played a vital role. Most notably, hemp fibre ropes were used to haul the mammoth blocks in the construction of the Pyramids of Egypt.
Throughout Europe too, from the Roman age and beyond, the plant has been cultivated for use in textiles and paper products.
Portugal, in particular, has an interesting history of hemp cultivation, where it was used ofr many centuries in the making of durable, salt-resistant sails and ropes for ships.
The powerful Portuguese Empire’s history of exploring, conquering and colonising was based on superiority in navigation, cartography and maritime technology – so it’s no stretch to presume that hemp played an important role. In fact, in the 1500s, King John IV enforced mandatory hemp growing, in order to increase the production for use in the restoration of ships after a war with Spain.
…and now
With the world catching on to the incredible properties of the plant, its resurgence is evolving rapidly. Not only is it incredibly eco-friendly as a crop (it’s fast growing, needs no toxic pesticides or herbicides, helps to regenerate the soil, and requires much less water than other crops), it has an estimated 25,000 uses and applications.
Modern uses and applications
One of the most revolutionary (and potentially the most valuable for the planet) is its place in green architecture, with products like hempcrete building being used in sustainable, eco-friendly builds all over the world.
As an affordable alternative to conventional products, hempcrete offers a high-performing, aesthetic, carbon-negative construction material that guarantees a sustainable, living and breathing home.
As well as the construction industry, many other creative enterprises have already jumped on board the hemp revolution. In the nutraceutical industry it’s being used in a range of food and dietary supplements; in horticulture it’s being used extensively in natural, sustainable products; in industrial design it’s being used for everything from reusable cups to furniture and car parts; and within the pet and livestock industries for natural, sustainable litter and bedding.
