Sound insulation testing at EMPA
In the EMPA laboratory: The Cancret hemp concrete exterior wall
A milestone for Cancret Materials
At the end of February, Cancret Materials used EMPA's sound insulation laboratory—a decisive step for all sustainable building materials. Alongside fire protection, sound insulation is one of the most challenging hurdles on the path to fully certified building components. And because no one else has done it before, we are doing it.
Our hempcrete exterior wall is currently in the laboratory: the facade system has been installed, measurements are underway, and we are introducing a renewable building material into a testing environment that has been dominated by conventional materials until now.
Why this wall sets new standards
Our exterior wall made of hemp concrete combines ecological, technical, and economic advantages in a single component:
100% renewable building materials – from the core to the surface
Sound insulation – for increased requirements
Diffusion-open – the wall "breathes" and ensures a healthy indoor climate
Wall thickness comparable to solid construction – without compromising on structural integrity or comfort
Cost-neutral – sustainable construction without additional costs
CO₂ negative – and certifiable
This enables a construction method that is healthier, renewable, recyclable, economical, and available immediately.
Collaboration that enables innovation
Our system is being developed in close cooperation with Schöb AG, Gutex, and RÖFIX AG. Together, we are bringing biogenic building materials into industrial reality—with the aim of achieving Lignum standard structures and component approvals.
Feedback from the industry
Initial feedback from the construction industry clearly shows that there is a great need for recyclable, renewable building components —and many companies are looking for partners to develop new solutions together. At the same time, it is becoming clear that more and more building owners want, need, and are able to build sustainably or even circularly. Price neutrality is an important lever in this regard, but it is no longer the only argument. Reputation, CO₂ budget, reuse, and knowledge advantage are rapidly gaining in importance.