The Hemp industry is slowly, but not quietly, producing more products and continuing to make headway into the construction industry by replacing some traditional building materials.
Hempitecture’s new 33,000-square-foot energy-efficient facility in, Jerome, Idaho, will produce a wide range of biobased nonwoven products, with hemp fiber being the primary component, using a custom-designed manufacturing process exclusive to Hempitecture.
The Class A Industrial building is a concrete core-shell tilt-up style building with 32-foot ceilings. Operations are powered by renewable energy sourced from hydroelectric, solar, and wind power through Idaho Power’s Green Power Program. The large space was designed to allow for future growth within the same footprint. The facility accommodates a high-density racking system that inventories and stores approximately 600 pallets of finished materials, allowing Hempitecture to serve clients across the U.S. quickly and efficiently with minimal lead times.
The unique line configuration works with natural fibers to create a wide range of products for multiple industries. Products include sustainable liners for cold freight partners who serve industries such as meal delivery services and the pharmaceutical industry, and HempWool Thermal Insulation, a sustainable, bio-based high-performing building insulation material that is fire resistant, safe to touch, and carbon negative.
The hemp fiber used for production is sourced locally from Hempitecture’s partner, IND Hemp, located in Montana. With an increased demand for U.S.-grown and U.S.-manufactured products, Hempitecture’s facility creates a necessary natural fiber bio-based supply chain that lowers the carbon footprint for making sustainable building and insulation materials.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve seen more people turn their attention toward healthy homes and environments,” said Hempitecture CEO and Founder Mattie Mead. “This new facility will allow for a fully U.S.-made product which aids in growing Hempitecture’s reach across residential, commercial, and multi-family markets, making healthy products and home building more tangible.”
Gary Fleisher, Contributing Editor
