Industrial Hemp (cannabis sativa) has been used for centuries; the very oldest woven fabric in the world is said to have been made from hemp! Certainly in the UK, Hemp production was wide spread right up until the late 19^th century due to large quantities of hemp being required for rope supplies, rigging and canvas.   

Another big factor for hemps decline was due to the growing concerns of the use of the Hemp variety ‘marijuana’ as a drug.  A ban on hemp production in the USA in the early 20^th century led to a ban in many countries around the world, including the UK.

The confusion between Industrial hemp and the hemp variety Marijuana continued for many years.  Unlike Hemp Marijuana, research discovered that industrial hemp had only a trace element of the chemical resin T.H.C which is known to produce the “high”.  In the UK commercial production for hemp was resumed in the 1990’s.  The good news is as an industry it is steadily growing, now supplying fibres around the world for making paper and animal bedding.

Why is Hemp the eco-friendly choice?

Awareness and popularity of hemp is growing day by day and is now seen by many as the eco-friendly alternative textile to conventionally grown cotton.  Hemp as a crop is extremely diverse and durable having an amazing variety of uses around the world such as paper, bio fuel, nutritional oil, ropes, clothing and even home wares.  Virtually the whole plant can be used from the seeds to produce oil, the fibres for paper/fabric production and the left over “hurds” used to produce animal bedding.

The main benefit of Hemp as a “super” eco crop is that it grows very fast with the crop usually ready to harvest in about 4 months.  The plants can reach heights of between 6-16 feet increasing the tonnage of fibre available per acre.  Hemp is also extremely tolerant of drought which is excellent for water conservation and so can be grown in difficult soil conditions where other more conventional crops won’t grow.

The other environmental benefit of hemp production is its requirement for little or no pesticides, fertilizers or chemicals to grow well. It is said that conventionally grown cotton uses 25% of the world’s pesticide usage!

We just love the fibre for making our products as it is strong, hypo allergenic, resistant to mold & ultraviolet light, holds it shape and appears to be very durable – we could just go on and on…….!  

To find out more about hemp crops, cultivation and its uses see lots of information on Wikipedia - the free encyclopaedia.