What is Hemp Fiber?
Hemp fibers have recently gained new interest, with a number of the latest developments in their production and use. In fact, the demand for hemp fiber has increased to such a level that it can be considered a global commodity. It is also a much-needed option in a world where there is constant pressure to reduce carbon emissions, preserve resources, and cut down on waste.
Hemp is an environment-friendly fabric and is versatile enough to be used in multiple applications. It has been grown for a long time and is now used for clothing, food, and shelter, as well as just about everything made from petroleum-based products. It is also used in nutritional food products such as hemp seed, hemp seed oil, and hemp protein powder.
No doubt, hemp is one of the most nutritious seeds on the planet and is considered one of the most beneficial health foods. However, it is extremely beneficial and packed with extremely useful properties, and many people, including scientists, doctors, and nutritionists, recommend it as a supplement.
It can’t be underestimated. It comes with so many benefits. It has plenty of potential, advantages, and uses in various industries, especially in textiles.
Hemp in India went into an in-depth study and found out many unheard truths. It explored hemp price per kg in India, applications, and a lot more. We are spreading awareness regarding hemp fiber production in India, its costs, etc.
What is hemp fiber?
You may have probably heard about it, but do you know what it is? Hemp fiber is a form of bast fiber, which is available in the stalk of the hemp plant. It is one of the strongest natural fibers in the world and has been used in a broad range of applications, including textiles and paper production.
The world has already seen the use of hemp fiber in the production of the first Levi Strauss jeans. After that time, many companies initiated the use of hemp fiber in fabric making.
Its history and presence date back to 1000 years ago, when imprints in the pottery shards of China and Taiwan were found.
The Properties of Hemp fiber
There are so many questions that may be coming to your mind after digging deep into hemp fiber, isn’t it? It’s one of the most important qualities for growing in a variety of different conditions. Because of its adaptability and suitability for the textile industry, it can replace cotton at any time.
But, they are available in around 30 varieties, which means only those having high tensile strength, pureness, high cellulose content, and luster are fit for commercial use.
Hemp, one of the oldest known plants, has a wide range of properties that make it useful for several applications. When utilized for making clothing, it provides high durability and strength, as well as better UV protection and breathability. It also provides natural anti-dispersive, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties that provide a safer environment for the wearer.
They appear yellowish-grey to deep brown in color, with 4 to 6.5% length in feet. Moreover, it comes under stress easily, which may sound unfavorable, but it’s good for deforming into the desired shape.
Sustainable
Stronger
Due to its high durability, clothes made with hemp fiber can last longer than those made with cotton, flax, jute, or any other fiber. For instance, if a cotton cloth lasts for 10 years, then a hemp one will last for more than twice that.
Moisture retention
Protection from sunlight
Breathable
Stay Softer
Cost Effectiveness
If the cost is compared, then hemp fiber prices in India will sound cheaper. This is because it costs less in farming and grow than cotton, flax, or any other kind of fiber.
Uses of Hemp Fiber.
Hemp fiber is one of the earliest cultivated plants known to man. Its uses have widened over time. Considering the range of properties it possesses, the earliest use started with rope making. Moreover, it was also utilized in crafting sail canvases.
Hence, the use of hemp fiber is not limited to fabric only. Many industrial applications are still prevalent.
Textile Industry
Building materials
The pricing of wood or timber in comparison to hemp varies a lot between each other. So, it can be an ideal alternative to a building material. Besides, the current time is harsh for the environment. Climate change because of deforestation has taken a heavy toll on the planet and its forests. Thus, it’s not the right thing to start cutting down trees, keeping in mind that more losses to nature and biodiversity are inevitable.
Shoe Manufacturing
It might sound absurd to you, but it can be used in place of leather too. It offers both comfort and support for designing durable and sturdy shoes. Each shoe made with hemp fiber will last a long time. No more, leather is the shoe industry’s need.
You must know that leather is processed with the use of animal skins, so why hurt them when there is an organic choice in front of you? Forget about the cost incurred in leather shoe manufacturing or time, and instead think about the pain of the animals.
However, it’s good that some shoe manufacturers rely on reusable polymers, rubbers, and other synthetic materials, and yet, there is nothing better than hemp fiber. It is available in abundance and delivers unmatched quality and comfort. Speaking of its cultivation as an industrial crop, the total cost of production is fairly low.
Simultaneously, the crops don’t have any negative effect on nature. You must start changing your fashion style and sense from leather-based shoes to hemp-based shoes. And if you aren’t doing it today, then the future will bring this option to you.
Paper Manufacturing
Surprised? We know this fact can surprise everyone, but yes, hemp fiber is eligible for paper manufacturing as well. In fact, it’s one of the fundamental uses of hemp fiber.
From the beginning, the paper was manufactured using hemp fiber. Later, it is recycled and reused again. However, do you know that it takes 24 trees to create one tonne of paper? Also, around 4 billion trees are cut down every year. Isn’t that a shocking statistic for you? It results in large-scale deforestation and badly damages our planet’s flora and fauna.
So, the replacement of trees with hemp plants as a raw material for paper production is a brilliant idea and approach. Without affecting the quality, paper production becomes cheaper and more convenient with hemp fiber.
Ropes and Cords Production
As shared earlier, hemp fibers possess a high tensile strength, which makes them suitable for rope and cord manufacturing. Even during earlier times, hemp fibers were commonly used for making ropes and cords. Apart from hemp, even coconut and jute fibers were in style, but no one succeeded in replacing hemp. As the current generation is moving towards the idea of organic and sustainable choices, hemp fibers are the need of the hour.
Interior Design
An innovative use of pure hemp fiber is seen in Italy, where companies incorporate it for interior design. Not only this, it is widely used in the manufacturing of tapestries, shawls, mats, banners, and other apparel.
How was the trend of hemp fiber introduced in the apparel industry?
Before the 1980s, hemp fibers used to have a rough texture, and so companies were stepping back from using them for apparel design and manufacturing processes.
However, the change came after Chinese scientists successfully found a way to eliminate lignin from hemp fiber without affecting its actual strength.
This brought hemp fiber closer to linen’s similarities, and it has since been used in every fabric where cotton was previously the primary use.
Now, coming to the properties, you can’t say no to the apparel designed with hemp fiber. It will be your one right step towards the protection of the environment.
Why is farmers' interest in hemp fiber increasing?
With so many benefits for the environment, consumers, and producers alike, no one can say that developing interest in this is a bad idea.
On an estimate, its demand could rise to $43.75 billion by 2027. And yet, some people are doubting whether it will be fruitful or not. Hemp plants have entered into the bioplastic and biofuel industries as well. The government and organisations are also taking steps to legalise it with certain terms and conditions.
Gone are those days when hemp people used to associate hemp with marijuana. Time is changing, and people need to understand it as soon as possible. Before it’s too late, decide whether you want to stick with your old choices or get organic hemp products.