In 2024, Cânhamor became the first hemp block manufacturer to begin the process of obtaining CE marking.
As no European Assessment Document (EAD) existed for this type of product, Cânhamor is contributing to its development in collaboration with the European Commission and the various members of the European Organisation for Technical Assessment (EOTA).
What does CE marking mean, and why is it important?
CE marking demonstrates that the performance of a construction product has been assessed according to standard European criteria. It allows its characteristics to be presented transparently, rigorously and in comparison with other products.
For architects, designers and contractors, it provides greater confidence when specifying the product and facilitates its use across different European markets. For hemp blocks, the new EAD will establish a common technical basis for their assessment for the first time.
Thermal performance
The thermal tests assess the ability of ECOblocks to limit, store and delay heat transfer.
- Thermal time lag — ISO 13786:2017: determines how long it takes for a temperature variation to pass through the material.
- Thermal conductivity — EN 12664:2001 and ISO 8302:1991: measures the material’s ability to conduct heat.
Tests carried out by Itecons in 2025.
Mechanical strength
These tests assess the blocks’ strength, consistency and dimensional stability.
- Compressive strength — EN 772-1:2011+A1:2015: assesses the compressive strength of a masonry unit.
- Impact resistance — EAD 210005-00-0505: assesses the block’s behaviour when struck by a rigid object.
- Dimensions — EN 772-16:2011: verifies the dimensions and geometric regularity of the blocks.
- Density — EN 772-13:2000: determines the relationship between the material’s mass and volume.
- Moisture movement — EN 772-14:2002: assesses dimensional changes caused by variations in moisture.
Tests carried out by Itecons in 2025 and by LNEC in 2026.
Health and sustainability
The assessment of ECOblocks considers their impact on indoor air quality and their environmental performance throughout their life cycle.
- Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions — EN 16516:2017+A1:2020 and ISO 16000-9:2024: measures the volatile organic compounds released by the product into indoor air.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) — EN 15804:2012+A2:2019 and ISO 21930:2017: assesses the environmental impacts of ECOblocks throughout the different stages of their life cycle. The results are reported through a verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Emissions assessed by INEGI in 2026. Environmental performance was quantified through a Life Cycle Assessment conducted in accordance with EN 15804 and reported in a verified EPD.
Behaviour in relation to water
The tests assess how ECOblocks interact with water and water vapour, as well as with variations in temperature and humidity.
- Water absorption by capillary action — EN 772-11:2011: measures the amount of water absorbed by the material through capillary action.
- Water vapour permeability — ISO 12572:2016: assesses the material’s ability to allow water vapour to pass through it.
Tests carried out by Itecons in 2025 and 2026.
Fire performance
The assessment covers the reaction of ECOblocks to fire and the ability of wall systems to prevent the passage of flames and heat.
- Fire resistance — EN 1364-1:2015: determines how long the wall maintains its integrity and thermal insulation.
- SBI test — EN 13823:2020+A1:2022: assesses the product’s contribution to fire development.
- Ignitability — ISO 11925-2:2020: assesses the product’s behaviour when exposed to a small flame.
- Reaction-to-fire classification — EN 13501-1:2018: classifies fire spread, smoke production and the formation of flaming droplets or particles.
Tests carried out by AFITI in 2024 and 2025 and by Itecons in 2025.
Acoustic performance
Acoustic performance was assessed in terms of sound absorption and sound transmission between spaces.
- Sound absorption — NP EN ISO 354:2007 and EN ISO 11654:1997: assesses the material’s ability to absorb sound and reduce reverberation.
- Airborne sound insulation — ISO 10140 and ISO 717-1: measures the reduction of sound transmission through a wall system.
Tests carried out by Itecons in 2025.
An essential step for the construction sector
The extensive and demanding testing programme confirms the high thermal and mechanical performance of ECOblocks, as well as their fire performance and health and sustainability credentials.
By contributing to the first European Assessment Document for hemp blocks, Cânhamor is taking a decisive step towards making this solution recognised, easier to specify and more accessible throughout the European Union.
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