Hemp Voices: Chad Frey, Bison Biocomposites
Chad Frey is president of Bison Biocomposites, based in Washington DC
My role integrates the hemp supply chain into large-scale building materials.
Industrial hemp has interested me as part of the societal shift towards sustainability, innovation, and functionality by targeting niche industries in the construction sector that desperately require change. The versatility of hemp is remarkable. Its use cases and properties as a building material (lightweight, fire-resistant, mold-resistant, and durable) make it a practical choice for so many types of eco-friendly construction. The intersection of traditional practices and cutting-edge technology in hemp construction offers an exciting space for experimentation. From 3D printing to large-scale commercial projects, the possibilities are inspiring.
What was a win for your company in the past year?
We patented our first hemp binder formula (made in the USA). The binder drastically reduces set/cure time for cast-in-place and spray applications (from four weeks to 24 hours) and has a higher R-value than traditional lime binders. We also developed a flowable fill formulation used as insulation for large-scale precast concrete manufacturers.
What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago?
The time and energy it takes to build hemp homes/structures with traditional practices. I had the privilege to join the Hemp Building Company and Sergiy Kovalenkov (Hempire) in Salida, CO, for a workshop build. It opened my eyes to the need for innovation in the space in order to scale into the construction industry.
What challenges does the hemp building industry face that it must overcome?
The six main challenges facing the hemp-building industry are 1. regulatory and legal hurdles (inconsistencies & building codes), 2. supply chain limitations (raw material availability & processing infrastructure), 3. costs (more expensive & no skilled workforce), 4. education (lack of awareness from builders, architects, etc), 5. perception (stigma & skepticism), and 6. investment (high-risk/more R&D is needed).
Email: info@bisonbiocomposites.com
Phone: (202) 642-4099
