Hemp (textile fibre in detail)
Also known as: Industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa, Hemp bast fibre
Bast fibre from the stem of Cannabis sativa — stronger than cotton, grows without pesticides and sequesters 10–15 t CO₂ per hectare.
Description
Hemp is one of humanity's oldest cultivated plants and yields one of the strongest natural fibres available. The bast fibres come from the woody stem of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa, THC < 0.3 %). Traditionally the stems are dew-retted in the field for 14–28 days after harvest; modern processes use enzymatic retting or ultrasound.
Raw hemp is coarse and stiff, but cottonisation (mechanical-chemical shortening of the fibres) makes it suitable for ring-spinning frames and nearly as soft as cotton. Hemp fabrics are extremely durable (2–3× the tensile strength of cotton), wrinkle slightly, soften with every wash, and offer natural UV protection (UPF 20–50). EU acreage has grown strongly since 2020, reaching around 33,000 ha in 2023.
- Grown without pesticides and with very low water demand (300–500 L/kg vs. 10,000 L for cotton)
- Deep taproot loosens soil and sequesters CO₂
- Naturally antibacterial and mildew resistant
- Best results in blends with organic cotton or Tencel
Properties
| Fibre type | Bast fibre, cellulose approx. 70 % |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 2–3× higher than cotton |
| Water demand | 300–500 L/kg fibre |
| Care | Washable up to 60 °C, softens with every wash |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Nutzhanf Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutzhanf
- European Industrial Hemp Association eiha.org https://eiha.org/
