Hemp for Fiber & Textiles

One of the most valuable parts of the hemp plant are its large strong fibers, known as bast fibers., Running the entire length of the plant, these fibers typically measure between three to fifteen feet long and serve as an incredibly strong, durable, and rot-resistant fiber used in making everything from paper and canvas to fabric and cordage.

The strength of a fiber-based product is proportional to the length of the fibers used to make it, making hemp an extremely efficient fiber source for all types of textiles and industrial products.

The shorter fibers of the hemp stalk can be used as a replacement or ‘blender’ fiber for cotton in making textiles such as clothing, bags, shoes, and other garments. Pure hemp fabric has a texture similar to linen, but has three times the tensile strength of cotton; while also being softer, warmer, and more water absorbent.

Today, approximately 50% of all chemicals in American agriculture are used in growing cotton. Hemp requires no chemicals and can be grown without the use of pesticides, making it a sustainable alternative for creating cloth and fabric.

Until 1883, 75-90% of all paper in the world was made from hemp fiber including ancient documents, bibles, maps, money paper, newspapers, and so on.

Hemp fiber is an economic and ecological friendly alternative to tree pulp paper, which is the number one cause of the world’s deforestation and environmental crisis.

Hemp pulp and fiber also offer a biodegradable alternative to plastic for many uses, such as paper bags. Hemp cellulose can also be polymerized to make any type of plastic product, without the use of petroleum.

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