hemp textiles

Hemp, sustainable and ecologic

Hemp is a so called bast fibre and is made from the stems of the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). It is one of the oldest fibres used for textile production. Especially during the Middle Ages, before cotton became a mass product and conquered the European markets, hemp was one of the most used and popular natural fibres. Even in the beginning of the twentieth century it was grown all over Europe, but today the market is dominated by Chinese hemp. To this day it remains a highly valued natural product that is applied in fashion, interior design but because of it’s strength also in bio-composites.

Clothing comfort

Hemp yarns and fabrics are very suitable for apparel. The fibre has specific properties which distinguish it sharply from most other materials and make it unique.
Hemp doesn’t enclose much air and has relatively poor insulation properties. In this it resembles linen: hemp fabrics feel fresh and cool, a distinct advantage for summer clothing. In addition hemp is highly absorbent. It takes up water rapidly and also releases it quickly. On hot days this helps in regulating the microclimate between body and clothing.
Hemp is well supported when worn directly on the skin even though it is stiffer, harder and less elastic than cotton and is therefore less supple. These properties also cause the crinkling of the material, when used in woven fabrics, although this property may also be considered as part of its ‘natural charm’.

Sustainable hemp

Hemp is considered to be one of the most sustainable textiles known. The plant doesn’t require irrigation during growth, has almost no natural enemies (insects) and therefore needs no treatment with pesticides. Because it grows very fast (up to four metres in just a couple of months) weeds don’t stand a chance, don’t hamper the growth of the hemp, and herbicides are not necessary. Hemp is a natural product, it is 100% biodegradable and recyclable and feels very nice on the skin.

The ecological advantages of hemp

• 100% biodegradable

• no irrigation needed

• no chemical treatment

Hemp almost disappeared in Europe and Northern America in the 1930’s, not only because of the competition of cotton and synthetic fibres, but also as a result of anti drug legislation. The ‘industrial’ hemp that is now used in textile applications hardly contains any of the psychoactive component THC. Because hemp is today widely appreciated as a sustainable fiber, it is now making a slow come back in Europe. One of the problems is that, together with the machines used in the different stages of the textile making process, much knowledge has disappeared.

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