Hemp is a natural plant fiber from the stems of the cannabis plant that has been gaining attention for its sustainability. It requires little water to grow, replenishes soil nutrients, and is biodegradable. It is also one of the strongest textile fabrics and produces 220% more fiber than cotton. Hemp production requires less than a third of the water needed for cotton and does not require synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
It has low carbon emissions and is capable of capturing carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Hemp can be blended with other natural fibers to create fabrics with the durability of hemp and the softness of cotton or bamboo. It is hypoallergenic and part of a waste-free process. However, it is important to ensure that companies aren't just “green-washing” their hemp and that it is labeled as “hemp viscose” if it has undergone intensive processing with toxic chemicals.
Despite its stigma, hemp is a highly sustainable, low-impact crop that can be made into cloth in a sustainable way.
