About Us

With 30 years of experience in the construction industry, HempBLOCK® International founder Johan Tijssen recognised the urgent need for better-performing building materials. Not only did he see the importance of reducing a building’s ongoing environmental impact through natural temperature regulation, but also the necessity of lowering the carbon footprint in production.

Now, HempBLOCK® International is bringing the world’s first carbon-negative, load-bearing hempcrete block system to global markets. Built on a foundation of innovation, integrity, and sustainability, we are proud to supply BIOSYS and MULTICHANVRE blocks—rebranded as HempBLOCK—to builders, architects, and developers worldwide.

With a commitment to both efficiency and sustainability, HempBLOCK® International partners with industry specialists to provide a superior hempcrete block system alongside integrated architectural and engineering solutions, shaping the future of sustainable construction.

Our Vision

The HempBLOCK® International vision is to play our part in a more sustainable construction industry. We do this by using carbon negative building materials to create a sustainable, healthy environment to protect our families and future generations.

This is why we choose hemp. Hemp provides us with seed for food, fibre for fabrics and composites, as well as the woody core (shiv) for building.

We firmly believe that all building projects need access to affordable materials that reduce project time, lessen the impact on the environment, reduce building operation costs and lower ongoing carbon emissions into the future.

Meet the Team

Johan Tijssen

Founder, Company Director & Technical Management

Originating from Holland, multi-lingual Johan Tijssen is a key figure in the development of the hemp building industry. He has developed certification, manuals and training programs to meet the growing interest and demand for hemp as a sustainable building material. Johan is passionate about protecting the planet for future generations and minimising the impact of traditional materials used throughout the construction industry.

Johan equally focusses on smooth, fast and simple building processes using longer lasting and efficient materials.

Glen Donoghoe

Company Director & Business Management

Glen Donoghoe has a master’s degree in entrepreneurial management with extensive experience in market research, venture development and business operations. He has worked in the environment and air conditioning industries as well as the NGO sector.

Glen’s previous work has resulted in successfully commercialising energy efficient products and managing commercial and community environmental programs that reduced CO2 emissions. He is committed to working on projects that provide benefits for individuals, the wider community and our environment. During his career his work has been recognised by all levels of Government in Australia.

Our credentials
  • Ex-Director of Hempcrete Australia
  • Introducing a hempcrete block with international recognition
  • Hempcrete educator with nine years’ experience delivering training and writing manuals to build with hempcrete
  • Multi-lingual with strong ties with the European hemp industry where hempcrete has been tried and tested for over 26 years
  • The first in Australia to have hempcrete accepted by the ABCB as a certified building product
  • A director of AHI (Australian Hemp Innovations)
  • Active member of AIHA (Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance)
  • Nominated for the 2017 Sustainability Awards in the building innovation category
Contact us today