Hemp, which is both non-polluting and highly sustainable, is considered as the most eco-friendly fibre. Indeed, this versatile plant can be cultivated without the use of fertilizers and chemical products and can be instrumental in regenerating the soil.

Hemp has the unfair reputation of being “rough” simply because, of all the natural textile fabrics, hemp possesses the strongest fibers. This inherent strength means that the fabric will have dimensional stability, a high mechanical strength and last longer than other fabrics. Nowadays, however, it is also possible to create fabrics that are silky soft.

Twenty-eight centuries ago, China, under the rule of Emperor Sheng Nung, was already producing a fabric made from hemp. Although imported into Europe about 1500 years B.C., hemp fabrics became widespread in Europe mainly during the Middle Ages. In fact, in his ‘Capitulare de Villis’, Charlemagne proclaimed a law that hemp must be planted throughout his empire!

Cannabis rises from the ashes

The traditional uses for hemp had progressively disappeared. Demonized because of its illicit nature, this age-old plant, “Cannabis Sativa”, is definitely making a comeback. Everyone is impressed with its modern uses and the thousands of products that can be derived from it. One of the products being revived is textile hemp, which is principally used to make clothing, house linen, sails and ropes.

An intelligent fabric

Hemp’s textile properties are most interesting. Its antibacterial fibers’ smooth surfaces and unique chemical properties have the capacity to slow down, or even stop the growth of some bacteria and fungi. What’s more, it is known as an excellent thermoregulator. Amongst natural fibres, hemp is unequalled in its power of absorption against humidity, a characteristic that makes it comfortable in all seasons: keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.

Another interesting fact: given hemp’s extremely high density, its fibres provide excellent protection against many different kinds of radiation, including UV rays and passive radiation emanating from common electrical elements, such as computer monitors.