Kanaba is a small Croatian company founded in 2022 with a big idea — to bring natural materials back into modern construction and demonstrate that sustainability can be the standard, not an alternative.
From the very beginning, we have focused on industrial hemp and its application in construction. In the first phase of our business, we concentrated on importing hemp hurds (shiv) to enable hempcrete construction — a mixture of shiv, lime, water, and pozzolan — in Croatia, using the wet construction method, where such materials were previously not readily available.
Industrial hemp is an inspiring plant of remarkable versatility, used throughout human history — from paper, ropes, sails, and textiles to food products and building materials. Today, its applications include insulation systems, biocomposites, natural composite panels, cosmetics, food, and a range of innovative industrial solutions. Its full potential is only beginning to be systematically and technologically developed.
We are now entering a new phase of growth. With financial support through the Acceleration Programme, we have started the development and certification of hempcrete blocks, as well as our own technical equipment for mixing. Our goal is to establish our own industrial hemp processing facility and create domestic infrastructure for hemp-based construction.
Kanaba currently operates through:
- ●Consulting on the design and construction of hemp houses
- ●On-site technical support
- ●Organizing workshops and educational programs on the processing and use of industrial hemp, with a focus on construction
- ●Developing technology and equipment tailored to the Croatian market
We believe that hempcrete is not a trend, but a material of the future — natural, renewable, vapor-permeable, moisture-regulating, and energy-efficient. Hemp construction provides healthier indoor spaces, a lower carbon footprint, and long-term sustainability.
Our work combines hands-on experience on construction sites, technical development, and a clear vision: to create the conditions in which hemp construction in Croatia becomes accessible, standardized, and professionally executed.