HEMP FABRIC - Is that a thing?

A fabric made out of the stalks of the Hemp Sativa plant is a plant-based natural textile material. The plant for millennia, so recognised as the one with extraordinary tensile and durability is becoming a favourite again. The rarity is vanishing with more people gaining knowledge about it and the increased availability as well. Earlier farmers were restricted from growing this, which is one of the main reasons that not only created exaggerated taboos around the plant but also made it critical for people to accept and learn about.

For thousands of years, The Hemp sativa plant has been in the practice of breeding for its very distinctive uses. The plant’s stalk is made of two layers. The inner layer consists of a woody pith whereas the outer layer is made from a rope-like bast fiber. For textile purposes, only the outer layer is used of the Hemp Sativa’s stalk. Although the stalk is one part of the plant, there are individual benefits of compliments. The inner layer is certainly used for materials like animal bedding, fuel and building materials to name a few.

Once the outer bast fibre layer of the plant is stripped, it can be further processed for use to make it into yarn or rope. The yarn or rope that is produced is very strong when compared to other alternatives available in the market. The rope made from hemp, the hemp rope is so strong and promising that earlier, it was the only premium choice for sails and rigging on maritime vessels. It remains a renowned and acceptable material of excellent quality for clothing as well. It has provingly surpassed the synthetics and cotton textile fabrics available at a cost to not just us but the environment too. It has failed the counteractives at several tests and metrics.

Once the fabric is ready, the fabric has a similar texture and feel to cotton. It is breathable and skin-friendly, and it is strong and durable like canvas. Unlike cotton, it is not shrinkable and even pilling-resistant. While being strong, hemp fabric is superiorly sturdy and durable.

Additionally, hemp is also a lightweight fabric which makes it breathable and effectively promotes the passage of moisture from skin to atmosphere making it perfect for hot and humid climates. It is also easily dyeable. The fabric naturally, is mold resistant, mildew and other potential microbes that are harmful. Hemp fabric has another quality, it becomes softer and softer with each wash and doesn't even degrade.

It is an extremely sustainable fabric in complete dynamics from farm to produce which makes it ideal for clothing and all other things that it can produce.

The production is environmentally sustainable as is evidenced by the history, facts and studies of records. In the past, several civilizations have produced and used hemp fabric without incurring any major ecological calamities. However, it has been reported as per recent studies that to produce hemp on a larger scale it is not promised that the practices remain 100% sustainable or ecologically sound.

In 1998, according to a study by researchers on the subject of hemp fabric's environmental sustainability found that hemp cultivation requires less land than cotton cultivation, and releases lesser toxic substances into the soil and related ecosystem. Hemp is one of the raw materials that are carbon-negative which signifies that it absorbs more carbon than it produces. Furthermore, no to least amount of pesticides or herbicides are required.

Overall, it is always less to discuss and open upon the benefits this plant reaps. Every day we have discoveries and inventions of it and they are always surprising and intriguing. Similar to this, Ananta has three ranges of products which include nutrition, personal care and wellness. The team here is passionately working towards building and growing the same with expanding the product range and its reach to more people.