On 24 October, during the Salon international du Patrimoine Culturel, we formalised a major strategic partnership with the Belgian company IsoHemp®, a manufacturer of hemp blocks. This alliance marks a new step in our commitment to developing lime–hemp-based solutions, in a bio-based materials market that is growing rapidly in France and across Europe.
The union of two complementary areas of expertise
Proud of our heritage as lime kiln operators, as a century-old family-owned company and the last independent lime producer in France, we have excelled for more than 20 years in the use of hempcrete in renovation and are recognised worldwide for the quality of our Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHL).
IsoHemp®, our new Belgian partner, has been revolutionising the market since 2012 with its industrialised hemp blocks. These products offer a genuine alternative to sprayed hempcrete for renovation, new-build projects, and the tertiary sector.
A shared ambition: making bio-based solutions more accessible
This alliance first and foremost addresses the environmental emergency ahead of us. Conventional materials are struggling to meet current regulatory requirements, in particular the RE2020 standard. .*
Together with IsoHemp®, we share a clear ambition: to make bio-based solutions more accessible and more consistent on the French market. Our eco-materials provide a concrete response to improving occupants’ comfort (both thermal and acoustic) and to decarbonising the sector.
We also share a philosophy of close technical support, which is essential to effectively guide project owners. Being as close as possible to customers’ needs is key to providing effective, tailored responses to their projects.
*These emissions (scope 1) stand at 57.1 MtCO2eq in 2024 according to provisional data, i.e. 15.5% of national GHG emissions (see indicator). The provisional target to be reached by 2030, set by the General Secretariat for Ecological Planning (SGPE) and taken from the third National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC 3, in preparation), is 31.8 MtCO2eq. Source: https://batizoom.ademe.fr/chiffres-cles/emissions-de-ges
A winning industrial and commercial synergy
Industrial dimension: our limes at the heart of IsoHemp® solutions
From now on, our Saint-Astier® natural hydraulic limes will be integrated into the formulations of IsoHemp® hemp blocks, binders, mortars and renders. This integration will create a complete, coherent construction system, from structural work to finishes, perfectly meeting the expectations of our professional customers committed to responsible construction practices.
Commercial dimension: joining forces
What does this partnership bring us?
This alliance strengthens our diversification strategy in the eco-materials market and modernises our image by offering innovative bio-based solutions to our customers – craftsmen, architects and design offices – both in France and internationally. It is also an opportunity to further penetrate the new-build and tertiary markets, new areas to explore that complement our long-standing expertise in renovation and heritage restoration.
This collaboration marks a decisive turning point in structuring the lime–hemp sector. We are convinced that it will help to bring about lasting change in construction practices, towards greater environmental performance and improved living comfort, both in France and across the European market.
Words from our Managing Director
Matthieu Tanguy, Managing Director of Chaux Saint-Astier®:
“Many thanks to IsoHemp® for this joint work, which has led to the creation of a great synergy between our two companies and our teams in the field, with the goal of developing the bio-based materials market. Bringing our expertise together and combining the complementarity of our solutions for lime–hemp applications will be the key to this success.”
In short, 4 key points to remember
- We are joining forces with a Belgian SME that shares our values and knows the hemp sector inside out.
- We bring our technical expertise to the field and our solutions are complementary.
- We share a common vision: going further to develop the sustainable housing of tomorrow.
- And we have one single objective: to make hemp and lime products a (new) standard on the market.
The Saint-Astier and IsoHemp teams are at your service to support you in all your projects, so do not hesitate to contact them for more information.
To find out more about IsoHemp hemp blocks: https://www.isohemp.com/fr