Hemp
Hemp is an environmentally friendly natural fibre that grows quickly without pesticides. It is tear-resistant, breathable, biodegradable and versatile – e.g. for clothing, textiles and insulation materials. Ideal for sustainable, durable products.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a versatile natural fiber obtained from the stalks of the hemp plant. It is particularly durable, breathable, and has natural antibacterial properties.
Hemp is used for clothing, home textiles, ropes, insulation materials, and even in the construction industry. As a fast-growing raw material, it is very resource-efficient and completely biodegradable.
How is Hemp Produced?
The hemp plant thrives in many climates and requires little water or chemical aids. After harvest, the fibers are mechanically separated from the woody parts of the plant (retting), broken, combed, and spun into yarn. The material can then be further processed depending on its intended use.
In contrast to THC-containing cannabis, industrial hemp contains hardly any psychoactive substances and is used exclusively for sustainable, non-intoxicating applications.
Environmental Impact of Hemp
Hemp is an extremely sustainable raw material that grows quickly, requires little water, and thrives without pesticides. It even improves soil quality and effectively captures CO₂.
1. Sustainability of Raw Material Sourcing
Compared to many other fibers, hemp is extremely frugal. It can even grow on poor soils and requires no synthetic fertilizers. Its roots promote soil health.
2. Processing and Energy Use
The mechanical processing of hemp fibers requires comparatively little energy. Eco-friendly production methods preserve the material’s beneficial properties and reduce emissions.
Regional production and short transport routes further improve the climate footprint.
3. Durability
Hemp has very high tensile strength and durability. It is resistant to wear and retains its shape even after frequent washing.
4. Reusability
Hemp fibers can be recycled or reused in products such as insulation materials. Pure hemp fabrics can also be biodegraded or used for energy recovery.
5. Biodegradability
Untreated hemp is completely biodegradable and leaves no harmful residues – ideal for an environmentally friendly circular economy.
Technical Properties of Hemp
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type of material | Plant fiber |
| Density | approx. 1.48 g/cm³ |
| Compressive strength | Medium |
| Flexural strength | High |
| Hardness | Firm |
| Elasticity | Low – dimensionally stable |
| Resistance | Highly resistant to mold, bacteria, and UV radiation |
| Weather resistance | Good (suitable for outdoor use) |
| Color | Beige to gray (natural) |
| Workability | Good – though more robust than cotton |
| Application | Clothing, textiles, ropes, insulation materials, composite materials |
Hemp at ekomia
For us, hemp is a forward-looking material for sustainable products. Its resilience and natural origin make it ideal for bedding, mattress covers, or textile home accessories.
We use hemp for our bed linen – because of its robust yet skin-friendly properties. Hemp is durable, vegan, and stands for consistent environmental and resource protection – perfectly aligned with our ecological design philosophy.
Questions & answers for Hemp
Here we answer some questions about Hemp that are frequently asked by other users.
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