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A journey through the history of hemp fiber
Hemp has been with us for thousands of years as a versatile plant. Even in ancient times, hemp fiber was used for textiles, ropes and sails. Sailors of the ancient world relied on its durability, and even today you can find historical clothing made from hemp. But the history of hemp fiber is more than just tradition – it is a trailblazer for modern, sustainable innovations.
What is hemp fiber and how is it obtained?
Hemp fiber comes from the bark of the hemp stalk. Through a process called “roasting”, the outer layer of the stalks is broken open to reveal the valuable fibers. These are then processed further – into yarn, fabrics or technical materials. Its robustness and longevity make hemp fiber a real natural talent.
Which hemp is used for fibers?
So-called “industrial hemp” is cultivated for the production of hemp fibers. This contains only minimal amounts of THC and is therefore completely legal. The focus here is on the long, robust stalks, which are particularly rich in fibers. A special sustainable feature: hemp grows quickly, requires little water and no pesticides.
A wide range of applications for hemp fiber
Hemp has long been more than just a textile raw material. Here are some exciting areas in which hemp fiber is used today:
1. fashion industry: high-quality, durable fabrics for clothing.
Brands like 8000 Kicks or Khala Design show how hemp is revolutionizing fashion: durable, sustainable and stylish. Together with us from Herba di Berna they are backing hemp as the future of textiles.
2. building materials: Hempcrete and insulating materials for environmentally friendly buildings.
In Switzerland, Schöb AG relies on hempcrete as an innovative building material. This material is used as insulation in diffusion-open wall structures and offers excellent insulation values. Hempcrete is biogenic and benefits from the rapid carbon sequestration of the hemp plant, which makes it an environmentally friendly alternative in the construction industry.
3rd automotive industry: Lightweight, stable materials for interior cladding.
In Switzerland, Autoneum Holding Ltd relies on natural fibers such as hemp for the production of lightweight and stable interior trim for vehicles. These materials contribute to weight reduction and improve sustainability in automotive production.
4. paper production: sustainable alternatives to normal wood fibers.
Even in Switzerland, various companies offer alternatives, such as Wunderwerk, which produces hemp paper from 25% hemp and 75% recycled pulp. Here we are talking about environmentally friendly paper without dyes or bleaching agents and it is characterized by a natural look.
Hemp in space
Did you know that researchers are investigating the use of hemp fibers for space travel? Their lightness and stability make them ideal for future missions. In space travel, the weight of materials is a decisive factor, as every gram counts during transportation into space. Hemp fibers offer an exciting solution here: they are not only extremely light, but also extremely robust.
In addition, hemp fibers are biodegradable and environmentally friendly to produce, making them a sustainable alternative to conventional composite materials. Researchers are currently investigating whether hemp could be used for building components, insulation materials or even for the construction of habitats on the moon or Mars.
Another advantage is that hemp can be grown in controlled environments such as space stations or future moon bases, which could provide an independent source of raw materials on site.
Hemp as a potential material for space travel opens up a whole new chapter for this ancient raw material – from the earth to the stars!
Record holder in terms of sustainability
Hemp is a true miracle of nature. When we talk about sustainability, there is no getting around hemp. Compared to trees, which take decades to be ready for harvest, hemp grows in just a few months – almost everywhere in the world. The plant stores large amounts of CO₂ during its growth and thus actively contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Some studies even show that hemp can absorb more CO₂ per hectare than many forests. So in many ways, it is the miracle plant we keep talking about.
But that’s not all: hemp hardly needs any water to grow compared to other crops such as cotton. Hemp is also a true perpetumobile when it comes to pesticides and herbicides and manages completely without these substances; it is virtually resistant to almost all pests. This not only protects the soil, but also prevents the pollution of groundwater and ecosystems.
Hemp even has a positive effect on the soil after harvesting. Its deep roots loosen the soil, improve the soil structure and make it more fertile for the next planting. No wonder the plant is increasingly cited as one of the most sustainable sources of raw materials for the future – whether in fashion, the construction industry or for packaging that can replace plastic.
Hemp provides us with a raw material that is both ecologically and economically sound – a real win-win situation for people and the environment! 🌱
Fashion industry: High-quality, durable fabrics for clothing
Hemp is setting new standards in the fashion world: robust, environmentally friendly and absolutely modern. We at Herba di Berna also want to promote sustainable clothing made from hemp fibers and therefore offer you innovative products made from this unique material. Come and visit us and discover how hemp can enrich your closet!
Old ropes, new trends
Once indispensable for shipping, hemp fiber is now celebrating its comeback as a modern upcycling material – for example in designer handbags, purses and furniture.
Herba di Berna: Your partner for sustainable hemp products
At Herba di Berna, we are enthusiastic about the versatility of hemp. Whether for clothing, building materials or other innovative applications – we support you with our knowledge and our high-quality products. Together we are shaping a more sustainable future!
Stay curious – we will accompany you on your journey into the world of hemp. 😊
Source:
- Production process of hemp fibers (e.g. European Industrial Hemp Association, 2024).
- Properties and cultivation of industrial hemp (e.g. Federal Ministry of Agriculture, 2024).
- Applications of hemp fiber (e.g. International Journal of Industrial Hemp, 2024).