You've probably heard about 'eco-friendly' or environmentally friendly products these days, right? So, with this wave, something that is being talked about by many people is the fabric made from the hemp plant. Some people think that hemp is a drug like marijuana. But is that really the case? Is hemp fabric really good for the body? Today, let's learn exactly about this hemp fabric, its advantages and disadvantages.
What is this hemp fabric?
Simply put, hemp fabric is a fabric made from a natural fiber obtained from the stem of the hemp plant. The scientific name of this plant is `(Cannabis sativa L.)`. Now you might be thinking that this is the same as the hemp plant. Yes, although these two belong to the same plant species, there is a big difference between the two.
The chemical that causes intoxication in hemp, that is, `(tetrahydrocannabinol - THC), is present in very high concentrations. But the hemp plant used to make clothes contains a very small amount of this `(THC).` This means that neither wearing hemp clothes nor touching the plant will cause any intoxication. This is like oranges and limes, although both belong to the citrus family, their taste and properties are completely different.
Hemp is not something that came into use yesterday. People have been making cloth from hemp fibers for more than 6,000 years. In the past, hemp was more popular than cotton in the world. It was widely used to make sails, ropes, sacks, and clothing.
How does the process of making hemp cloth happen?
Making hemp cloth is a complex process that takes place in several steps. Let's understand it simply.
1. Growing: Hemp seeds are planted close together. The plants then grow into straight stems, 3 to 15 feet tall. Inside these stems are the valuable fibers.
2. Retting: After harvesting, the fibers in the stem need to be separated from the wood. This is called ``retting''. For this, the stems are soaked in water tanks for about 10 days. Or they are left to dry in the open air.
3. Extracting: Next, these stems are thoroughly pounded and crushed, and the fibers are separated from the woody part of the stem.
4. Combing: The separated strands are combed well and made into a continuous thread.
5. Spinning: Finally, these fibers are used in machines to turn them into strong yarns needed for weaving.
This process is why hemp fabric initially feels a little rougher than regular cotton fabric. But its benefits are many.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hemp fabric?
Like any other material, hemp fabric has its pros and cons. It is very important for you to know these.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Eco-friendly: Completely natural, it decomposes quickly. It does not harm the environment like plastic. | More labor-intensive: Growing hemp and extracting fiber requires more labor and time, which increases the cost of production. |
| Low water consumption: Hemp can be grown with much less water than cotton. | Expensive: Hemp fabrics and clothing are relatively more expensive than cotton due to the complex production process. |
| High yield: Hemp cultivation can yield two to three times more fiber than cotton in the same amount of space. | Chemical use in some methods: Some manufacturers may use chemicals to speed up the fiber separation process. |
| Soil-friendly: It does not require rich soil and can be cultivated without destroying the fertility of the soil. | Low stretch: Hemp fabric does not have the stretch properties of other fabrics. |
What are the special qualities that you feel?
The health and practical benefits of hemp fabric are truly amazing.
- Very strong: Hemp fabrics are said to be about 8 times stronger than the fabrics we usually wear, like cotton. This means they don't tear or fray easily.
- Sun protection: Hemp fabrics naturally have the ability to protect our skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays .
- Antimicrobial properties: This is another special thing. Hemp fabric naturally has antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria. Therefore, even if you sweat, you are less likely to develop a bad odor.
- Softens with use: While other fabrics become coarse as they age, hemp fabric becomes softer with wash and use .
- Regulating body temperature: Hemp fabrics have the amazing ability to regulate body temperature. This means that this fabric keeps the body cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather .
- High water absorption: It absorbs water better than cotton. Therefore, it is less likely to feel wet even if you sweat. This is why it is also used to make cloth diapers for small babies.
- Less Wrinkling: Linen doesn't wrinkle as easily as cotton, so you don't need to iron it as often.
What is hemp fabric used for?
Hemp fabric is used to make not only clothes, but many other things.
- Clothing such as shirts, pants, skirts
- Household items such as bed sheets, towels, and sofa covers
- Painting canvas
- Bags and accessories for use in the garden
- Reusable baby nappies due to high water absorption
These days, the demand for hemp fabrics is increasing day by day among people who care about the environment and are accustomed to a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, now in Sri Lanka, you can find products made from hemp fabrics in some online stores and some shops.
Take-Home Message
- Hemp fabric is a very environmentally friendly, strong fabric that does not have the intoxicating properties of hemp.
- This is good for the skin. It provides protection from UV rays, has antimicrobial properties, and regulates body temperature.
- Hemp fabric has both advantages (low water consumption, high yield) and disadvantages (high cost, more labor). So be aware when purchasing.
- Due to its softness and durability, it may be a bit expensive at first, but it can be a good investment in the long run.
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