Pavol Capik, Patrik Knoblich
People have been using cannabis sativa for over ten thousand years due to the resistance of its fibres, traditionally used to produce textiles, ropes or paper. Today, this multi-purpose plant is experiencing a renaissance and is used not only in traditional ways, but also to make modern bioplastics, ecological building materials and biofuel. The oils obtained in this way are used in cosmetics and in the food industry. The CBD substances which it contains are used in nutritional supplements, medicine and various therapeutic products for reducing pain, anxiety or infections. The advantage of this plant is its rapid growth, minimal need for water, fertilisers or pesticides and herbicides. It is able to improve soil quality and help revitalise it. It offers a high return even on a small surface area, making it an effective and sustainable raw material for different industry sectors. The fact that the whole plant can be used ensures minimum waste. One of this plant’s biggest benefits is capturing carbon dioxide. Using hemp materials in design and building is therefore a progressively greater object of interest for designers and architects coming up with innovative concepts.