Johannes Loos
Senior Sales Manager Performance Line
| T: | +49 3733 5507 204 | |
| M: | nf-mail/norafin/com?Johannes_Loos | |
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The Renaissance of Hemp
The use of natural fibers in the textile industry is becoming increasingly important as companies and consumers seek alternatives to products containing plastic. Among the various natural fibers, hemp stands out for its outstanding natural and technical advantages.
Benefits of the Hemp Plant
Compared to traditional fibers such as cotton, the hemp plant requires less water, pesticides, and herbicides for cultivation.* Hemp plants grow quickly and densely, which suppresses weed growth and reduces the need for chemical pesticides. In addition, hemp contributes to soil improvement, as the plant returns nutrients to the soil and prevents erosion. This makes hemp fiber a viable alternative for textile production.
*DRASTIG, K.; FLEMMING, I.; HERPPICH, W.; GUSOVIUS, H.: Study of water productivity of industrial hemp under hot and dry conditions in Brandenburg (Germany) in the year 2018. Water 11 (12): 1-21, 2020. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12112982
Plant differences
Hemp is divided into the so-called industrial hemp and medical hemp.
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for the textile industry forms a high growth height and robust fibers. The plants are often densely planted to promote long stems and strong fibers. Medical hemp, on the other hand, is usually grown bushier to maximize flower production, which is rich in cannabinoids. The key difference between industrial hemp and medical hemp is the content of the cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Industrial hemp has a low THC content, often below 0.3%. In contrast, medical hemp is designed to have a higher CBD concentration and may contain various amounts of THC, depending on the variety.
In Germany and many European countries, the cultivation of industrial hemp for the textile industry is legally permitted as long as the THC content is below the legal limit of 0.2% to 0.3%. Medical hemp is subject to stricter controls and is usually only approved for research and medical purposes. Laws may vary depending on the country.
Abrasivity of hemp
Technical nonwovens made from hemp are extremely durable and abrasion-resistant due to their natural fiber structure. Hemp fibers are naturally robust and have a high tensile strength, making them ideal for applications that require hard-wearing materials. The abrasive properties of hemp make it ideal for products such as polishing and abrasive products and for industrial applications where high resistance to wear and abrasion is required. However, the demand for hemp materials is also increasing in the cosmetics and construction sectors - abrasion and tear resistance, as well as sustainability, are also convincing criteria for users here.
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
Hemp nonwovens in their natural color, as well as blends of these with viscose (including LENZING™ viscose) and LENZING™ Lyocell, manufactured by Norafin Industries (Germany) GmbH, are certified according to the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® (16.0.90034, Hohenstein HTTI). This means that our nonwoven fabrics have been tested for risks associated with harmful substances (chemicals).
Conclusion
Overall, technical nonwovens made from hemp offer a promising alternative in the textile industry.
The trend toward naturally grown products has prompted Norafin to explore other natural fibers in addition to its many years of experience in the production and development of numerous products made from flax fibers.
As a first concrete step, in March 2020 we processed a large quantity of hemp fibers on our spunlace line for the first time. In combination with specialized Lyocell fiber, we produced a smooth 50 g/m² hemp/Lyocell nonwoven fabric that serves as the basis for cosmetic sheet masks. The following year, we were even able to produce the first large batch of a 100-percent hemp nonwoven fabric in Mildenau. In 2022, Norafin then explored further extremes and paved the way for entry into the hygiene sector with a 30 g/m² waterjet nonwoven and a 250 g/m² needle-punched nonwoven.
Hemp is now just as much a integral part of our natural fiber campaigns as our flax nonwovens. We’ve achieved initial market success by combining it with various finishing options in the feminine hygiene sector, interior design, sports equipment manufacturing, and the cleaning industry.
We’d be happy to provide you with a more detailed overview of our hemp fiber portfolio.
Please feel free to contact us!
Ihre Ansprechpartner:
Tim Natzschka
Product Manager Performance Line
| T: | +49 3733 5507 294 | |
| M: | nf-mail/norafin/com?Tim_Natzschka | |
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