|China is currently the prime producer of hemp textile. China has had an uninterrupted hemp trade for approximately 6000 years. Other countries are now producing textiles to a lesser extent. The once major hemp textile industry has now almost completely disappeared from the Western world. Currently the bulk of our demand for textiles is met by cotton and synthetics, both of which have serious environmental problems associated with them.|
Not only are there environmental benefits to be gained through hemp cultivation, hemp fabrics themselves have advantages to us. Fabrics with at least 50 percent hemp content block the sun's UV rays more effectively than do other fabrics. In comparison to cotton, hemp fibres are longer, stronger, more lustrous and absorbent, and more mildew resistant.
Woven and knitted hemp textiles are used in the production of clothing, shoes, apparel, canvas, rugs and upholstery. Hemp fabric is also used to make cloth menstrual pads due to its fantastic qualities. Bamboo fabric also has significant environmental benefits and is used in making a variety of textile products.
Copyright 2005 - Last Updated April 2005