Hemp in Design | Interview with Philipp Hainke

Philipp Hainke work employs a circular approach, specialising in sustainable product development His project, ORGANICO explores hemp’s potential as a renewable resource for circular materials. Through the use of a self-developed bio-adhesive, Hainke transforms hemp fibres and shives into a stable yet lightweight material. The result is an aesthetic design that showcases the transformative power of technology, while preserving the archaic nature of the material. His work advances sustainability by reimagining materiality and reshaping product life cycles. Philipp has been internationally recognized, earning awards such as the Green Concept Award, Materialica Award, and Salone Satellite Award.

Interview with Philipp Hainke

Can you share your experience with using hemp as a material for furniture in your projects? What initially sparked your interest in incorporating hemp into furniture designs?

The starting point for this long-term project was the search for non-harmful, biological alternatives to petrol-based binders like Epoxied-Resists and Polyurethanes. Therefore, the material landscape before 1930 was the field of my research, and here is traditional glue.

In today’s industry, it’s common to use binders with fibres, the most prominent examples might be glass- or carbon fibre. However, flax and hemp are used due to their good technical properties, but mainly in non-visible parts. To decrease the amount of binder in volumetric parts, it’s common to use filling agents, and here the hemp hurds, also known as hemp shives, caught my attention. This foam-like material is the core of the hemp plant. It is a by-product of the (hemp) fibre production and comes as flakes.

Can you walk us through the specific project/s where you utilised hemp, detailing the process and the final outcome? What makes this project stand out?

I’ve been experimenting with bio-composites since 2013. During my studies at the University of the Arts Berlin, I decided to dedicate my Bachelor’s degree to deeper research into biocomposites. The outcome of this work is ORGANICO. A versatile material based on hemp and a self-developed bio composite that utilises plant-based bio protein as a binder.

What specific properties of hemp make it an appealing choice for furniture design? How does the use of hemp in furniture contribute to the overall aesthetic and feel of a piece?

The hemp fibres are durable, it was not without reason that sails and ropes were made from it. In combination with the hemp hurds, I manufacture bio-lightweight objects. Depending on the method of pressing the parts, the aesthetic can vary from a raw organic texture to a technical surface quality. But all pieces share one – not so obvious – feature, their healthy smell. I think we all know the smell of cheap plastic. If I needed to imagine some opposite of this smell, it would be the smell of ORGANICO. It reminds me of the fresh hay stacks of my childhood.

From an environmental standpoint, how does using hemp in furniture align with sustainable design practices? How do clients respond to the sustainability aspect of hemp in furniture, and is it a factor in their decision-making?

My wood-free product mainly consists of plant material which functions as a carbon storage as well. The vegan adhesive is free of conventional binders, resins, or bioplastics such as PLA. While many projects focus on highly processed mono materials, ORGANICO is made of up to 90 % raw natural hemp. This fast-growing plant can be cultivated on practically any soil and, in addition to its good technical properties, also offers a remarkable amount of positive ecological cultivation aspects, such as pest resistance. Thanks to the lime used in the adhesive, the material is naturally protected against fungal and pest infestation. Depending on the application, it can be insulating, light, flame-retardant, water-resistant, or it can combine these properties. After its life cycle ends, the entire part can be returned to the biological cycle without causing any harm to the environment.

What advice do you give to clients regarding the maintenance and care of furniture made from hemp? Are there any misconceptions about hemp furniture that you find important to address?

I don’t think it’s possible to generalise “furniture made from hemp” in a way that would make it possible to give universal advice here. Talking about ORGANICO, it can be seen more as wood than as fabric. The objects are flame retardant and can resist water for a short period. Crucial parts are the corners where you face the partly untreated fibre, which is a potential weak point and has to be treated more carefully.

Are you seeing an increased demand for furniture made with hemp, and if so, what factors do you attribute this to? How do you stay updated on market trends related to hemp in furniture design?

I’m not sure if I would limit the field to hemp alone, but you can see that there is a general trend in alternative material and alternative material streams. This is a healthy trend, but of course, there are players in the market who try to benefit from this development without risking big investments.

How do you source hemp? Have you collaborated with hemp producers or manufacturers to source materials for your designs?

In the beginning, I tried to build a direct connection to a local producer in the surrounding area of Berlin but came into some trouble with changing material properties. By now, I’m sourcing most raw materials from a provider for construction materials. The benefit here is that you always receive the same material quality.

Where do you envision your products being displayed?

ORGANICO has already been shown in many exhibitions, including the Salone del Mobile in Milano, the IMM in Cologne and the Global Grand Show in Dubai to name a few. It would be great to see ORGANICO applied in the mobility sector because this industry has the financial freedom and innovative mindset to grow a concept further. I could also imagine a collaboration with a brand like Nike or Patagonia to be displayed in a flagship store.

Where do you see the future of hemp in furniture design heading? Are there emerging technologies or processes that you think will further enhance the use of hemp in furniture?

Certainly, we will see a more diverse material landscape in the furniture industry. We have a major need to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions and/or capture it from the atmosphere. Since plants are natural carbon storage, I see a huge potential in this field. As a one-year crop, hemp is not only growing relatively fast, but it is also very resistant and grows even on poor soils which allows the cultivation without any pesticides. I see huge potential in a combination of high-tech and low-tech, like I tried to examine with ORGANICO.