Renovation wave: A bioeconomy panel produced with waste

Achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality targets calls for change, especially in what are identified as the most energy-intensive production sectors. Among these, the construction industry sector certainly requires special attention to promote sustainable and more circular actions. Moreover, the so-called green transition is considered the same as an additional European goal, namely that of the digital transition. The research presented in this article falls precisely within these two fields of study. It illustrates the process and methodological approach developed to produce a new panel for use in construction. This panel is made with Hemp-Pla, where hemp comes from the residues of threshing leaves, and is printed with additive technology. The achievement of the final result has required the elaboration of six prototypes, differentiated from each other according to the geometry of the section, the thickness, and the infill. The development of several prototypes made it possible to identify the main printing difficulties and the time and amount of material required. Based on the knowledge gained during the printing process of these prototypes and the analyses aimed at knowing their main thermal performance, it was possible to design and create a commercial-scale panel. Its energy performance values are comparable to panels already made from traditional materials. In addition, the Life Cycle Assessment showed that the results obtained are auspicious for bringing the printed panels made from Hemp-Pla to the construction industry market.