Belgium is leading the way in sustainable construction with two pioneering hemp lime producers, IsoHemp and Exie. Both companies offer innovative insulation solutions that harness the environmental and structural benefits of hemp lime, from IsoHemp’s high-performance blocks to Exie’s loose-fill hemp insulation. By focusing on locally-sourced, biosourced materials, they are contributing to a greener, more resilient construction industry.
Hemp Lime: An Environmentally Friendly Building Material
Hemp lime is a natural composite of lime and hemp fibers, providing insulation with remarkable breathability, thermal efficiency, and carbon-capturing capabilities. The hemp plant itself is known for its environmental benefits: it grows quickly, improves soil health, and requires minimal resources, making it an ideal raw material for sustainable construction. Both IsoHemp and Exie are committed to making hemp lime accessible across the building sector, supporting ecological design in everything from residential to industrial applications.
IsoHemp: Industrial Excellence and High-Performance Hemp Lime Blocks
Located in the Namur region, IsoHemp is a major industrial manufacturer of sustainable building products for construction and renovation, with a production capacity exceeding two million hemp blocks per year. Active across five countries through an extensive distribution network, IsoHemp has made hemp lime a reliable, easily accessible material for construction professionals.
By developing hemp blocks that can be installed by any trained professional, Jean-Baptiste and his Team overcame the challenges of traditional hemp concrete application—which previously required specialized equipment and labor-intensive mixing on-site. IsoHemp’s hemp blocks offer a practical, high-performance option for both new builds and renovations, supporting the demand for sustainable, efficient building materials.
Exie: From Agriculture to Sustainable Insulation
Exie’s journey into sustainable construction materials began in agriculture. Founded by Matthieu Hendrickx, a former mixed farmer who shifted entirely to hemp cultivation in 2014, Exie was officially launched in 2019 with a mission to provide biosourced insulation materials. Exie’s loose-fill hemp lime is ideal for versatile applications, offering builders the freedom to adapt the material to specific needs, from walls to roof insulation.
In 2023, Exie took a major step forward by investing in advanced decortication technology, refining the processing of hemp fibers and elevating the quality of their products. This move not only solidified Exie’s position in sustainable building materials but also underscored their commitment to continuous innovation. Hendrickx describes Exie’s goal as “bridging sustainable agriculture with construction by offering materials that benefit both the environment and the built environment.”
Supporting a Greener Construction Sector
Through their unique approaches, IsoHemp and Exie provide builders and architects with solutions that are practical, eco-friendly, and adaptable. IsoHemp’s ready-to-use blocks simplify installation and standardize sustainable insulation, while Exie’s flexible, loose-fill insulation offers adaptability for diverse construction projects.
These two Belgian companies exemplify how locally-sourced hemp lime products can contribute to a circular economy, where the building industry supports both ecological health and resilient building practices. Together, IsoHemp and Exie are setting a new standard for sustainable construction in Belgium and beyond.