Abstract

Using hemp as a building material can still be considered innovative in the South African construction industry. Research on the market for hemp building materials in South Africa is limited, as the focus has mainly been on the cannabidiol market which is the main driver for industrial hemp demand. Little research has been completed on the commercial environment, market, and competition in the hemp construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the constraints to market growth for hemp building materials as well as to indicate potential sources of demand and opportunities for price discrimination across the identified target segments.

Keywords: Hemp, Construction, Industrial Hemp, Building Materials, Marketing