The Frisian Fibre Hemp Deal (Fryske Vezelhennepdeal) is a groundbreaking initiative that establishes the first complete regional chain for biobased construction in the Netherlands. Signed by more than 30 stakeholders, including housing corporations, construction companies, developers, and local governments, the deal commits to using Frisian hemp insulation in at least 1,000 construction and renovation projects across Friesland. By promoting the use of locally produced fibre hemp insulation, the initiative fosters regional economic development, reduces carbon emissions, and strengthens circular construction practices.

This has already been applied, for example, in the construction of the Cambuur stadium in Leeuwarden in which over 3,500 square meters of sustainable and locally grown Frisian hemp have been utilised for the stadiums insulation.

The Frisian Fibre Hemp Deal is a significant step towards a circular and sustainable future for Friesland, demonstrating how regional collaboration can drive impactful change in the construction sector.

The construction industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions and resource depletion. Traditional insulation materials have high embodied carbon and rely on non-renewable resources, making them unsustainable in the long term. There is a need for scalable, biobased alternatives that reduce environmental impact, support local economies, and integrate into circular construction practices.

The Frisian Fibre Hemp Deal brings together key stakeholders in Friesland to promote the use of locally produced fibre hemp insulation in new and renovated buildings. Hempwool, a biobased insulation material manufactured by local company GreenInclusive, provides a sustainable alternative that sequesters carbon, reduces reliance on synthetic insulation, and bolsters both the regional agricultural and construction sectors. By replacing virgin materials with biobased, regenerative alternatives, the initiative strengthens the local circular economy. With a goal of integrating Hempwool into 1,000 projects, it helps establish a viable market for fibre hemp, cuts transport-related emissions, and creates local employment opportunities.

The Frisian Fibre Hemp Deal aims to equip over 1,000 homes with locally produced fibre hemp insulation within three years, driving both environmental and economic benefits. By integrating Hempwool, the initiative seeks to save more than 1,700 tons of CO₂, with GreenInclusive certifying these savings and directing the proceeds to Frisian farmers. A stable demand for hemp cultivation could enable the participation of over 110 Frisian farmers, strengthening the regional economy and generating employment across agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. Beyond economic gains, the deal aspires to enhance indoor air quality, improve temperature regulation, and support biodiversity through increased hemp cultivation. To facilitate industry-wide adoption, a knowledge-sharing program led by Miedema Bouwmaterialen, Oldenboom Meinesz, and Circulair Friesland aims to guide stakeholders in integrating fibre hemp insulation into construction projects.

The deal is a voluntary agreement supported by local municipalities and the National Approach to Biobased Construction. Its legitimacy is strengthened by government involvement and the collaboration of multiple stakeholders across various sectors.