Hemp Fabric - Things you should know

Hemp materials are making a lot of buzz in the fashion industry these days. Hemp, in multitude of ways, is the future of sustainable fabrics.

How true is the claim? Let's take a closer look at hemp fabric.

 HEMP; NOT A DRUG

Cannabis sativa L, popularly known as hemp, is a member of the cannabis family. This crop is always confused with marijuana, a member of the same family.

Marijuana has a THC content of up to 20%, while hemp has a THC content of less than 0.3 percent, excluding it from the list of psychedelic substances.

Hemp is grown to produce fabrics, meals, ropes, medications, etc. They are also the most environmentally friendly raw material.

WHAT MAKES HEMP SUSTAINABLE?

Hemp is a crop that can be grown indefinitely. It does not require special care, pesticides, fertilizers, or a lot of water because it is weed. They develop on their own, based on the materials available. Hemp likewise absorbs a notable amount of CO2 from the environment while simultaneously producing a large amount of oxygen. 

HEMP IN INDIA 

Hemp and India have a long history together.

According to scholars, hemp is one of the five sacred plants described in the Vedas. Hemp was extensively used in Ayurveda.

Hemp, like other cannabis, was outlawed throughout the British colonization period. In the 1890s, hemp farming was imposed with some restrictions and regulations after extensive research.  Many Indian states have passed laws to restrict and penalize hemp production, mistaking it for a drug.

 In 2015, a movement to legalize hemp farming began. As a result, The National Defense Authorization Act (NDPA) came into action.

According to the act, each state has the authority to control hemp production if it has adequate infrastructure to keep THC levels below 0.3 percent.

The Indian state of Uttarakhand was the first to allow hemp production, followed by Uttar Pradesh. Hemp production is also about to legalize in states like Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Manipur.

HEMP FABRICS

Hemp fabrics are manufactured from hemp fibres, which are strong and long-lasting.

Fabrics made from hemp fibres are made by combining the outer layer with other natural fibres to create fabrics that can effectively replace cotton and other synthetic fabrics.  

WHAT MAKES HEMP FABRIC SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT?

1. Hemp crops do not need plenty of water to grow. It consumes 400 times less water than cotton.
2. Hemp fabrics become softer after every wash.
3. Hemp is produced organically without using pesticides or inorganic fertilizers. 
4. Hemp is biodegradable and helps to restore nutrients to the soil.
5. Hemp is anti-bacterial.
6. Hemp is UV resistant.
7. Hemp fabric is long-lasting and can maintain its quality for decades.

DOES HEMP FABRIC HAVE ANY DRAWBACKS?

Hemp cloth, like any other product, has a few drawbacks as well. 

1. Hemp is not as soft as cotton initially. It will take a few washes to become soft.
2. Hemp fabric needs extra care when washing and drying. Because it tends to wrinkle.
3. Price is another drawback of hemp fabrics. Hemp fabrics always come at non-affordable prices. 

Hemp is a fabric that can contribute to a sustainable way of life. It has a lot of benefits and a few drawbacks. Hemp fashion is now well-known among the general public.

And it's high time for a miraculous crop like hemp to break through into the mainstream. 

SOME INDIAN HEMP FASHION BRANDS

• B Label
• Ecentric
• Cannabie
• Hempkari
• Hemploom
• Rumaal
• Foxxy
• Daoism Act

by Arjun Raghu