Amid rising housing costs and mounting pressure on traditional building supply chains, the Australian Hemp Council will host the Hemp-Connect Forum 2025 to explore the potential of industrial hemp in sustainable construction.
The event will run from 25 to 27 June at the AgriBio Building, La Trobe University in Melbourne.
Organised in collaboration with La Trobe University, the forum will bring together stakeholders from agriculture, construction, and sustainability to examine how hemp-based materials can offer affordable, carbon-negative alternatives to conventional building methods.
“Australia is in the grip of a housing affordability crisis, compounded by skyrocketing building material costs,” said Australian Hemp Council President Matt Lariba.
“Hemp can play a vital role in delivering climate-conscious, economically viable housing solutions. The Hemp-Connect Forum is a must-attend event for those looking to be part of this transition.”
The three-day program will feature expert presentations, technical discussions, demonstrations, and networking sessions focused on hempcrete, composite panels, and insulation – materials noted for their renewable properties and ability to sequester carbon.
Architects, growers, post-harvest specialists and building standards experts are scheduled to share insights on integrating hemp across the construction supply chain.
“Hempcrete isn’t just sustainable—it actively stores carbon long after it’s built into a structure,” said Dick Clarke, Director of Sustainability at Building Designers Australia. “Its benefits to the environment and its affordability make it one of the most compelling solutions for low-impact construction.”
The forum will also include a segment titled “Real Businesses. Real Materials. Real Impact!” highlighting Australian companies working with hemp-based products for the building industry.
Participants include Murray Industrial Hemp, Otetto, Zeoform, and Ciircl – firms recognised for innovation in hemp-based design and manufacturing.
The Australian Hemp Council says industrial hemp presents a broader opportunity to support Australia’s transition to a low-emissions economy.
The sector spans from crop cultivation and fibre processing to advanced materials manufacturing, offering potential to generate regionally based employment, particularly in communities affected by the decline of fossil fuel industries.
The event aligns with the Federal Government’s “Future Made in Australia” initiative, which focuses on building sovereign capabilities, developing clean industries, and strengthening regional economies.
Further information, including speaker line-up and ticketing, is available via the Australian Hemp Council’s website.
