Hemp v/s Cotton is the leading battle in the eco-fashion industry. The resurfacing of hemp has marked a breakthrough in the textile industry, which has struck an important conversation about rethinking Cotton.
We live in a society that's familiar with Cotton. It is a natural fibre crop native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Over the years, this fibre has found space in all of our closets in some way, shape or form. It is readily available worldwide and has been a go-to option for every one of us.
Hemp might come across as an unfamiliar crop at first, but in reality, it dates back to the ancient Vedas. Due to its numerous benefits, hemp is considered to be one of the top five miracle plants in the world. Today, this natural fibre is fighting to make a comeback in the eco-fashion industry.
As consumers who care for a sustainable future, it is important to be aware of the effects of both these natural fibres on our environment. This blog provides a great deal of basic knowledge about the two crops to help you make an informed decision.
Nature :
Cotton is famous for being a breathable, soft, cool and absorbent fabric. It is an amazing fit for a warm climate but is prone to losing shape with time. Hemp is a stronger, more absorbent, and more durable fabric. It is also a better insulating fabric, making it a great fit for both summers and winters. Hemp has a larger surface area, allowing it to dye easily and retain colour better. Unlike Cotton, hemp maintains its shape and only gets softer with every wash. In addition, it also offers natural resistance to UV radiation.
Time :
On average, Cotton takes about 160 days to grow, while hemp can grow in just around 90 days. That's almost half the amount of time spent cultivating Cotton.
Production :
Cotton is one of the most water and pesticide-intensive crops in the world, thus yielding a high environmental cost. It also exhausts and depletes the soil it grows in. Hemp needs less than half the amount of water used up by Cotton. It also requires little to no pesticides since it is naturally resistant to pests. Hemp can save more than 2000 litres of water against Cotton. Hemp also nourishes the soil it grows in, which is a great environmental asset.
Yield :
Cotton produces 500 pounds of fibre per acre, whereas hemp can produce 1500 pounds of fibre per acre. Therefore, hemp uses less land and energy while offering a 200% increase in yield.
Value :
Since Cotton is the most widely used natural fibre globally, it is less expensive than hemp. However, hemp can prove to be an excellent investment.
Now that you know a little more about both fibres and their role in the environment, it is safe to say that hemp is the need of the hour. Switching to an eco-friendly lifestyle is difficult, but hemp clothing makes it as easy as it's ever going to get.
-https://www.thehonestconsumer.com/blog/hemp-vs-cotton
-https://www.panaprium.com/blogs/i/hemp-cotton
