Modern Uses of Industrial Hemp

Bast fibre:

1) Textiles: Hemp fibre is one of the strongest, longest and most durable vegetable fibres. Hemp fabrics have superior qualities such as UV resistance, distinctive feel, antibacterial properties, and breathability. Hemp fibre can be spun as smooth as silk or as coarse as burlap.

• Fabrics
• Apparel
• Bags
• Shoes
• Socks

2) Technical Textiles: Hemp fibre is prized for its strength, length and durability and makes outstanding twine, ropes and fibre-mats.

• Cordage
• Netting
• Canvas
• Carpeting

3) New Use Industrial Products: Hemp fibre is used in industrial products for both its technological and ecological benefits. One of the biggest markets currently is the automobile industry, where hemp fibre is replacing fibreglass in interior panels.

• Biocomposites - materials made by nature or synthetically that include some type of natural material in their structure.
• Geotextiles - permeable fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have the ability to filter, reinforce, separate, protect or drain.
• Nonwovens - a sheet or web structure bonded together by entangling fibre or filaments mechanically, thermally or chemically.
• Pultrusion - an automated process for manufacturing composite materials into continuous, constant cross-sectional profiles.
• Compression Moulding - compressing materials containing a temperature-activated catalyst in a heated matched metal die using a vertical press.

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