Why Has Hemp Recently Become a Popular Sustainable Material?

Hemp has taken the market by storm, with many industries using it for skin care, superfoods, fabric fibers, and on and on. But why has cannabis become so popular in just a few short years?

Hemp is part of the Cannabaceae family and is a relative of the marijuana plant. Already its connection with marijuana has caused some controversial discussions on the Internet, where supporters of one or the other have defended its use in various industries. It is important to know that hemp and marijuana are different. Unlike marijuana, hemp has very few traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) with a strength below 0.3%. THC is the active compound in marijuana that makes it psychedelic and gives the user a “high” feeling when consumed. Of course, this euphoria cannot be achieved with cannabis due to its low THC content.

Another good thing about hemp is that it needs very little water to grow, as unlike other lychee fibers it does not need to be irrigated after harvest. In fact, hemp keeps the soil rich in nutrients. This makes hemp one of the most sustainable and efficient lychee-based fibers.

How Is Hemp Fabric Made?

Hemp is produced from the stem of the hemp plant. The stem has two parts; the outer layer consists of rope-like lichen fibers and the inner layer consists of a woody core. Hemp fabric is made from just the outer layer, which is removed from the stem and then woven into rope and yarn. When hemp fabric is made, its texture is similar to cotton, but it has a slightly coarser texture and an off-white color. This brings its advantages and disadvantages. Although hemp is much stronger than cotton and can last up to 3 times longer (so product life expectancy is three times longer than cotton), this rougher, off-white finish means that hemp is often bleached more and combined with other fibers , which are not sustainable, to make it more desirable for the market.

What Else Is Hemp Used For?

Hemp has been in the spotlight for the past two years with a frenzy of skin care advertising. Hemp skin care products are made with hemp seed oil, and research has confirmed that hemp is a great alternative to other moisturizers, as it’s good for almost all skin types and sensitive skin—it moisturizes and hydrates the skin without clogging pores. Research has also shown that using hemp seed oil can regulate the skin’s natural oil production and reduce the appearance of acne.

Nutritionists and health food enthusiasts have also discovered the benefits of using hemp seeds in cooking. Hemp seeds are rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, also known as “good” fats. In addition, hemp seeds have been found to contain vitamin E and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. They are an excellent source of protein and amino acids, which are rarely found in plant-based foods.

What Does This Mean for the Promotional Products Industry?

The industry is committed to the most environmentally friendly production of countless promotional products that bring warmth and good vibes to the homes and lives of our customers. Since hemp fabric is similar to cotton in terms of touch and processing, it can replace it in many products. Below is a list of five that have recently seen the light of the promotional and business gifts market.

Toiletry Bag

Since there are a lot of ointments and other cosmetic products made from hemp, a toiletry bag made from the same material is an excellent addition to these – simply fill the bag with the mentioned cosmetic products and thereby spread awareness of the importance of hemp as a material.

Multipurpose Backpack

A backpack with a drawstring can be used by everyone, from children to the oldest members of our society. It is suitable for use at school, at work, or as a companion on short trips, as it is just roomy enough to carry water, sandwiches and snacks.

Shopping Bag

Recently, we replaced countless plastic shopping bags with sustainable ones, which can be used for many years due to their longer lifespan. Hemp fabric bags are much more durable compared to cotton, so they are also suitable for larger shopping sprees.

Kitchen Apron

For any kind of chef, a kitchen apron is an excellent business or promotional gift, as it is not only functional and practical, but also offers you as an entrepreneur the opportunity to print the logo of your brand or company on a large scale.

Basic Cap

During the summer months, caps become part of the mandatory equipment of each of us, regardless of whether we are going to work or to the beach. It is also considered a timeless fashion accessory throughout the year. So why wouldn’t it also be environmentally friendly throughout the year?