Types of Hemp

With the help of a group of experienced plasterers across the UK, we are trying to fin an alternative to Chinese plastering fibres. We are trying to source an option that is produced in the UK and is easily scalable. One of the options is Hemp - but there is more than one type of hemp:

Hemp Shiv is commonly used as an aggregate in insulating plasters and hempcrete. It is sold in a number of lime suppliers and is widely used by plasterers. It doesn't work as a fibre. This should not be confused with Hemp Bast.

Hemp Bast is used as a fibre in basecoats to prevent shrinkage and give strength.

Many manufacturers will refer to Shiv as Fibre but they are two very different materials.

We have been testing a long bast and a short bast. The long fibres can be chopped to length so can be used anywhere and are extremely strong but there is a bit of preparation time involved. For lath work we have found a combination of the two works really well.

We are looking forward to finding out what our plasterer friends have found in their research.

Hemp in Action