Why is hemp so ecological?

 

Fresh air, clean water, untouched nature. These are incredibly precious gifts, that we get to enjoy. To keep these values in the future too, we have chosen hemp as material for HEMPEA.

Why is hemp so gentle and good for the environment?

All HEMPEA products are 100% hemp. I have chosen hemp as material not only because it feels so wonderful but especially because of its eco-friendly properties.

Read more about HEMPEA, who we are and how we work HERE.

High crops and powerful CO2 absorption

Hemp grows fast and gives high crops. Industrial hemp grows up to 2-4m high, generous plant that has long, sturdy roots. Compared to cotton hemp produces fiber in average 3-4 times more than cotton in same area.

Thanks to its roots growing industrial hemp prevents erosion and improves soil quality. For these reasons it is excellent for rotational cultivation in turns with other plants. Because of the fast growing, large plant and roots hemp absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide.

Hemp saves water and chemicals

Hemp grows in variety of environments, and also well here in the northern hemisphere. Of course, hemp requires water to grow, but it doesn't need irrigation but grows solely on rain water.

The industrial hemp used in our fabrics is grown organic without chemical fertilizers. Fast growing hemp doesn't leave room for weeds, and is also not sensitive to other pests. This is why any pesticides or herbicides aren't needed.

Local production

Hemp fabric production in Europe means using traditional, chemical free methods as well as short transportation distances. When the whole fabric production from seed to ready material is done in Europe, there is no need to transport the materials during the process between factories around the globe. The hemp is grown, the fiber processed, yarn spinned as well as weaved to fabric in Transylvania, Romania. We get the fabric as undyed, natural hemp*, which is then colored and printed here in Finland, using safe and eco-friendly methods.

*Only the fabric for our white duvet cover for double bed is bleached by the fabric manufacturer.

What future holds for hemp?

Hemp cultivation and usage of hemp fabric has a thousands of years long history. Unfortunately using hemp was forgotten and almost ceased completely. That's why there hasn't been many efforts to research and develop hemp textile industry. For example in comparison to cotton.

There is potential to make hemp even more ecological by developing the industrial methods (for example developing effective use of water during hemp processing). Hopefully improvements would also make hemp more affordable material in the future.

Maybe hemp could be your choice for your home too?

References

https://ita-suomi.proagria.fi/sites/default/files/attachment/tietokortti_monipuolinen_kuituhamppu_0.pdf . Cited on 23.3.2022

Zimniewska, M. Materials 2022, 15(5), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15051901

Duque Schumacher et al. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, Vol 268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122180