As interest grows in hemp fiber for textiles, Textile Exchange’s new report “Growing Hemp for the Future” sheds light on sustainable cultivation practices.
With proper standards in place, hemp offers climate benefits through enhancing soil health and requiring few inputs. However, the report shares concerns over increasing use of hazardous pesticides as governments permit more options.
Key insights include:
– Hemp historically relied on biological pesticides, but research is exploring adding more conventional pesticides
– France, China, North Korea, Poland and the US lead in hemp fiber production, but data remains incomplete globally
– 2021 fiber hemp production volumes are similar to 1961, but achieved much more efficiently on less land
Overall, the report stresses the need for more research to back sustainability claims. It urges the hemp industry to increase production tracking, avoid hazardous pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and seek organic and regenerative certification.
As an emerging sector, hemp has an opportunity to establish high standards from the outset. This report provides guidance to ensure its trajectory supports ecosystems and communities.