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Where to buy hemp hurd and lime binder — a sourcing guide

6 min read

How to source quality hemp hurd and lime binder for your build, and what to look for.

Sourcing the right materials is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make on a hempcrete build. Use substandard hemp hurd (also called hemp shiv) or an unsuitable binder, and you risk a mix that fails to perform, or in serious cases, fails altogether. This guide covers what to look for in each material, who supplies them in the UK, and the key considerations before you buy.

Understanding what you're buying

Before approaching suppliers, it helps to understand the two core components and why quality matters for each.

Hemp hurd (hemp shiv)

Hemp hurd is the woody core of the hemp stalk, separated from the fibres during processing. For use in hempcrete, the pieces should be approximately 10–25mm in length. Some fines (smaller particles and dust) are inevitable in any processed shiv, but excessive fines are undesirable: they increase the surface area of material that needs to be coated by binder, disrupting the mix and potentially weakening the finished wall.

When you receive a delivery of hemp shiv, check that:

  • Particle sizes are broadly consistent and within the 10–25mm range
  • Fines content is not excessive
  • The material is dry and free from mould or contamination
  • It has been processed specifically for construction use, not agricultural or industrial purposes

The construction-grade specification matters. Hemp shiv produced for animal bedding, for example, may be processed differently and may not behave consistently in a hempcrete mix.

Lime binder

The binder is not ordinary building lime or general-purpose mortar. Hempcrete binders are specifically formulated to work with the chemistry of hemp, particularly the sugars present in the shiv, which can inhibit setting in some lime-based materials. Using the wrong binder is one of the most common and serious mistakes on a hempcrete project.

There are three binders with a track record of use in UK hempcrete construction, each with different characteristics:

  • Tradical® HB: manufactured by Lhoist UK, developed in France, produced under licence in the UK by Lime Technology. This is the only binder currently with Local Authority Building Control (LABC) pre-approval and an available LABC warranty (as part of the Tradical® Hemcrete® walling system).
  • Batichanvre®: manufactured by CESA / St Astier in France. Buildings using this binder have received building control approval in the UK, though it does not carry LABC pre-approval or warranty.
  • Prompt Natural Cement: manufactured by Vicat in France. Also used successfully in UK hempcrete buildings with building control approval, but likewise without LABC pre-approval or warranty.

The practical implications of LABC pre-approval are significant for self-builders and contractors: it reduces the burden of demonstrating compliance during the building control process. If your project requires an LABC warranty, Tradical® HB is currently the only route.

A note on material failure: The Hempcrete Book records two documented cases of complete material failure, one involving a UK-sold binder and one involving a ready-mixed product sold by an Irish company. In neither case did the supplier accept liability. This underlines the importance of using binders with an established track record and clear technical data sheets. Do not experiment with untested or unverified binders on a real building.

UK suppliers of hemp hurd and binder

The UK supply chain for hempcrete materials is relatively concentrated. Here is a summary of known suppliers based on available information at the time of writing.

Hemp shiv suppliers

All of the above suppliers are noted as being able to advise on the use of hempcrete, which is worth taking advantage of, particularly if you're newer to the material. HempcreteHub's supplier directory also lists installers and consultants, including Hemp-Lime Spray, if you'd rather bring in someone experienced than source and mix yourself.

Binder suppliers

Tradical® HB

Batichanvre®

  • Manufacturer: CESA / St Astier. The St Astier website carries a full list of UK stockists.
  • UK suppliers include: Cornish Lime Company (cornishlime.co.uk), Lime Green, Womersley's (womersleys.co.uk)

Prompt Natural Cement

  • Manufacturer: Vicat
  • UK suppliers include: Anglia Lime, Cornish Lime Company (cornishlime.co.uk), Lime Green, Womersley's (womersleys.co.uk)

Availability in this sector can change faster than it seems. Hemp Technology Ltd, which previously processed hemp shiv under the Hemcore brand, went into administration in 2013. Lime Technology has since rebranded as Limetec and, as of writing, is still trading and supplying the Tradical® system. Even so, always confirm current pricing and availability directly with any supplier before committing to a project timeline, rather than relying on a book or article to still be accurate.

What to consider before ordering

Getting your procurement right requires more than simply finding a supplier. Work through the following before placing an order.

Match your binder to your build requirements

If you need LABC pre-approval or warranty cover, Tradical® HB is your only current option. If you're working on a project where building control approval will be demonstrated case by case, all three binders have a track record of success in the UK, but you'll need good technical documentation and, ideally, an experienced hempcrete professional involved in the process.

Understand the system constraints

The Tradical® Hemcrete® system requires you to purchase Tradical® HF shiv and Tradical® HB binder together; they aren't sold separately through that supply route. If you intend to source shiv and binder from different suppliers, you'll need to use one of the other binder options and source your shiv independently.

Plan your quantities carefully

Hemp hurd and lime binder are both bulky materials with specific storage requirements. Lime binders are moisture-sensitive and have a shelf life once packaging is opened. Order quantities you can use within a reasonable timeframe, and ensure you have appropriate dry storage on site.

Ask suppliers about technical support

Several UK suppliers offer technical advice alongside their products. This is genuinely useful for first-time builders. A supplier who can talk you through mix ratios, application methods, and common pitfalls is worth their weight in binder.

Practical summary

  • Use construction-grade hemp shiv with pieces broadly in the 10–25mm range; avoid material with excessive fines
  • Only use binders with a proven track record in hempcrete: Tradical® HB, Batichanvre®, or Prompt Natural Cement
  • If you need an LABC warranty, Tradical® HB is currently the only qualifying option
  • Tradical® HF shiv and Tradical® HB binder are sold as a system and cannot be purchased separately through that channel
  • Verify supplier availability before finalising your build programme; the supply market has changed before and may change again
  • Leverage the technical expertise reputable suppliers offer; it can save significant problems on site

The source material for this article is drawn from The Hempcrete Book. Supplier details and product availability should be verified directly, as market conditions change over time. If you're ready to start sourcing, the HempcreteHub supplier directory is a good next stop, whether you need materials, an installer, or a consultant.

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