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Are you looking for Hemp facts?
Then you’re in the right place because we’ve got a whole bunch of facts about hemp material, how hemp’s grown, and how to make hemp fabric. Plus, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hemp and what hemp is used for.
What is Hemp?
Hemp, often known as Industrial Hemp, is part of the Cannabis family and belongs to the species Cannabis sativa. However, unlike the closely related Cannabis species Marijuana, hemp contains very low levels (<0.3%) of THC compound and therefore does not have the same psychedelic effects.
Hemp is used as a food, as the hemp seeds are edible, for hemp paper production, and as a fiber for hemp cloth and linen.
What do hemp plants look like?
Hemp plants are grown from hemp seed and, like bamboo, are one of the fastest-growing plant species on earth. The hemp plant grows in plantations and grows tall, up to 5 meters, with distinct leaves.
Where is hemp cultivated?
The largest cultivator of hemp worldwide is China, which cultivates around 50% of the world’s hemp. It is estimated that China has approximately 66,700 hectares of land growing hemp (2019). China is followed by France, which is the second-largest producer worldwide, with around 18,000 hectares, followed by Chile.
How long has hemp been used for fibers?
Evidence shows that hemp has been used as a fiber for cloth for over 3,000 years, with reports of hemp cultivation in China in 2800 bc.
How is hemp fabric made?
Check out the handy infographic below, which describes how hemp fabric is created.
Benefits of Hemp Fabric
- Breathable material
- Strong and durable fibers
- Hemp is naturally antimicrobial
- Hemp fabric is naturally UV resistant
- Hemp is an eco-friendly fabric that absorbs CO2, fertilizes the soil, and requires little irrigation.
- Biodegradable as it is a natural fiber.
- Replenishes soil
Disadvantages of Hemp Fabric
- Material can wrinkle easily.
- Negative consumer perspective on hemp.
- Hemp clothes can be more expensive than cotton or cheap polyester clothing.
Is Hemp Fabric Eco-Friendly?
Yes! Hemp is a sustainable material. Hemp requires half as much water as other natural materials, including cotton, plus hemp is naturally pest-resistant, so it doesn’t rely on large quantities of pesticides.
In addition, hemp requires less land usage, and unlike cotton, hemp replenishes the soil it’s grown in.
Is Hemp Better Than Cotton?
- Hemp needs approximately half as much land and half as much water as cotton does to produce.
- Hemp does not require harmful pesticides or fertilizers.
- Hemp replenishes the soil, whereas conventional cotton farming damages the soil.
- Hemp is a faster-growing crop.
- Hemp fabric is up to 3x stronger than cotton.
What is Hemp Material Used For?
Hemp material has many uses, including:
- Hemp clothing
- Hemp bags
- Hemp Bedding
- Hemp Underwear
- Hemp shoes
Where Can I Buy Hemp Clothing?
As Hemp fabric is making a comeback and entering mainstream materials, we are seeing hemp being used by brands as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton and synthetic fibers such as polyester.
We’ve rounded up a list of brands producing great Hemp products!
1. WAMA Underwear
Materials: 100% hemp, Green America Certified, and PETA-approved materials
Best for: hemp underwear for men and women
Ships to: the US & International
2. Buffy Bedding
Materials: 100% hemp, safe dyes
Best for: Natural hemp bedding made with nontoxic dyes, shipped in recyclable packaging.
Ships to: Worldwide
3. 8000Kicks
Materials: Hemp uppers, algae bloom soles
Best for: Waterproof hemp shoes
Ships to: Worldwide
4. Valani
Materials: Hemp linen and Tencel blend of eco-friendly fabrics
Best for: Women’s hemp clothing
Ships to: the US & International
Wrapping Up: Hemp Material Facts & Hemp Clothing
We hope you’ve learned some interesting new facts about hemp. Hemp is a great sustainable material and is an eco-friendly alternative to cotton.
We have loads more resources if you’d like to learn about other eco-friendly materials including the difference between organic cotton vs cotton, jute, and linen.
If you have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comments below.