Hemp-Based Wall Coating Earned State Contest Nomination
A new hemp fiber coating could change how Minnesota homes are built by cutting construction labor time.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce has nominated HempCoat, a hemp fiber-based wall coating, for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest. This innovative material aims to simplify home construction for residents across the state.
Why it matters
HempCoat offers a new market for hemp while potentially streamlining the building process. By removing the need for drywall tape, this technology seeks to modernize standard residential construction practices.
A development project involving AURI and Evolve Technologies shows a potential reduction in labor by up to 30% compared to traditional installation methods. The technology remains under competitive review.
The players
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
A statewide organization representing business interests that is currently hosting the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest.
AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, which works to advance the economic potential of agricultural products like hemp.
Evolve Technologies
A developer collaborating on the technical specifications and application methods for the HempCoat product.
The details
HempCoat is applied as a specialized coating during the drywall construction phase, serving as a functional alternative to conventional finishing materials. By eliminating the requirement for drywall tape, the product simplifies the wall assembly process. Furthermore, the material provides certified fire-rating capabilities to meet safety standards.
Timeline
The Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest winner will be announced October 6, 2026.
Health Landscape
This development aligns with broader trends at AURI to transition hemp from a specialty crop into a foundational material for residential construction. It reflects an evolving landscape where bio-based building materials are prioritized for their safety and efficiency profiles.
While HempCoat is primarily a construction material, its fire-rating certification may be relevant for homeowners evaluating building safety updates. Discuss specific construction materials or home improvement choices with your contractor to ensure they meet local building safety codes.
The takeaway
Innovative hemp-based materials may soon offer faster, fire-certified alternatives for residential drywall installation. Keep an eye on local sustainable building trends if you are planning future home renovations or safety upgrades.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable and bio-based material innovations in the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.
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