For decades hemp has rightly been considered as a super-plant by a vocal minority of devotees. At last their voices are being heard and, driven by legalization of cannabis in many US states and the global need for sustainability, interest in hemp has now reached the tipping-point. Hemp is about to initiate sea changes in industries far beyond healthy snacks and skin care products. Some financial analysts are saying that hemp could become one of the hottest commodities in industrial and medical fields. Hemp-based products in the U.S. are projected to rise from just under $1 billion this year to around $1.8 billion by 20201.
Introducing HEMPstead for Towels
The launch of Loftex USA’s HEMPstead is proof that hemp is now considered by the textile world to be far more than just a rough-but-sustainable textile loved by hippies.
“Hemp fiber’s superior qualities make it perfect for blending with the latest sustainable materials such as those regenerated from wood cellulose, to create unique textiles that are luxurious while also being durable and protect the wearer from damaging UV light,” stated Charles Gaenslen, CEO of Loftex USA.
Key Facts:
• Hemp is a fast growing plant that requires less water to grow
• Hemp is naturally pest resistant and requires no pesticides or herbicides
• Hemp returns 60-70% of the nutrients to the soil
• Hemp is stronger than cotton
• Hemp is extremely absorbent and quicker drying than cotton
• Hemp is bacterial and fungal inhibiting
“When we developed the Hemp skincare line for The Body Shop 25 years ago we were so far ahead of our time,” stated Dr. Barbara Brockway, Applied DNA Sciences, Personal Care Sales Director. “The benefits of Hemp are numerous and it’s great to see it being adopted in innovative ways in textiles and beyond!”
In addition to textiles, the world of electronics is turning to waste from hemp fibers to make into high-performance energy storage devices, carbon nanosheets and even super-capacitors said to be comparable with graphene2.
US researchers are predicting electronic cars could use this technology so Henry Ford’s prediction in the 1940s, of a car made from 100% hemp could actually be an electric car and soon be on our roads, as it has just been announced that the world’s first plane made from hemp and powered by 100 percent hemp oil has flown3. The plane’s fuselage, wings, seats and seat covers all contain hemp, bringing a whole new meaning to being “high on cannabis”.
