Hemp

Hemp is a natural and renewable fiber derived from the stalk of the Cannabis sativa plant. It's a highly durable and versatile textile that softens with each wash, offering a linen-like feel. Unlike its cousin marijuana, industrial hemp contains negligible levels of THC. Major producers of hemp include China, France, Canada, and the United States.

The environmental impact of hemp production varies greatly depending on farming practices. Hemp is naturally pest-resistant and requires less water than other fibers like cotton, but large-scale farming and processing can still have a negative impact. Choose hemp grown using organic and regenerative farming practices that promote healthy soil, increase biodiversity, and sequester carbon. Prioritize hemp certified by GOTS, which ensures both ecological and social criteria are met throughout the supply chain. For traceability and fair labor, Look for Fair Trade and USDA Organic certifications. Recycled hemp is also a great option to minimize environmental impact.

While hemp offers significant environmental benefits, its retting and finishing processes can be a source of pollution if not managed correctly. Water retting can harm aquatic life, and some chemical retting processes introduce harmful substances into the environment. Look for hemp processed with water-wise and enzyme-based retting methods to reduce water use and pollution.

At Circular People, we choose brands with transparent and traceable supply chains that include GOTS, Fair Trade, and USDA Organic certifications. We prioritize hemp grown with organic and regenerative farming practices and we look for hemp processed with water-wise and enzyme-based retting methods to reduce water use and pollution.

Check out our Field Log for a deeper dive into this fiber.

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