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hemp.

Hemp is obtained from the stem of a plant and is therefore a bast fiber and is categorized as a natural cellulose fiber. The hemp plant is highly adaptable to various climate conditions and to all types of soil. Hemp is a popular and appreciated fiber with organic growers, not only for its versatility but also because it leaves the soil it grows on in excellent quality and weed-free at the end of each season. All these elements make hemp one of the most environmentally friendly fibers.

Approximately 30 countries in Europe, Asia, and North and South America currently permit farmers to grow hemp. However, hemp isn’t a new fiber, it’s been used for fabrics for at least 6000 years.

Hemp is a rapidly renewable source and does not require the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers to grow. Additionally, its production requires little water and the use of extra irrigation is usually not necessary.

Although hemp has many sustainable benefits, through chemical retting, bleaching and other processes can leave harmful impacts. Therefore, it is very important to really vet your supplier since retting can produce wastewater.

Another benefit of hemp is that it has the highest yield per acre than any other natural fiber. It produces 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax on the same amount of land.

Untreated hemp is completely compostable. Things like dye, toxic chemicals, blended fibers and trims can hinder its compostability.

+ PROS

what it gives.

  • is a very stong fiber – being 8 times more durable than cotton
  • cool to wear
  • Is mildew resistant
  • is hypoallergenic

− CONS

what it asks.

  • Is hard to dye because of its high lignin content
  • prone to wrinkles

ADVICE

what to look for.

Ideal is the use of certified organic hemp. If that isn’t possible, work with you supplier to ensure no harmful pesticides or fertilizers are used in production and get assurance the retting process is done sustainably.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

where this comes from.

https://cfda.com/resources/materials

https://materialarchiv.ch/en/ma:material_592?type=all

https://www.commonobjective.co/article/fibre-briefing-hemp

https://enkev.com/pl-pl/certification/hemp-fibre?hsLang=pl-pl

https://lexikon.wohnen.de/leinen/

https://allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu/fr/tout-savoir-chanvre-europeen

Textilepedia, Fashionary International Ltd, 2020

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