The debate between hemp and cotton has been going on for years, with both fabrics having their own unique benefits. Hemp is a fast-growing plant that requires less land and fewer pesticides and fertilizers than cotton. It is also a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it can improve soil health. Hemp biocomposites are lighter than other materials, reducing fuel use and emissions from vehicles manufactured with them.
Hemp is also more absorbent and breathable than cotton, making it an excellent fabric for clothing. It is biodegradable and soft, breathable, and lightweight. Hemp is also considered a carbon-negative crop, as it sequesters more CO2 than it generates per harvest cycle. It requires very little water to grow and almost no pesticides or fertilizers.
This makes hemp a perfect upholstery fabric, as it can be tightened and remain tense throughout the life of the furniture. On the other hand, cotton is the most common clothing fabric in the world. It is natural, biodegradable, and soft, breathable, and lightweight. However, the amount of water needed to grow cotton is enormous compared to the amount of usable cotton that the plant produces.
Cotton producers often have to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to grow cotton faster in order to meet the demand for this fabric. When it comes to environmental impact, hemp wins out over cotton. Hemp requires less land and fewer pesticides and fertilizers than cotton cultivation. It is also a carbon-negative crop, sequestering more CO2 than it generates per harvest cycle.
Buying and wearing hemp clothing is one of the best ways to create a wardrobe with a low environmental footprint. The popularity of hemp is growing as more brands include the fabric in their collections. With its many benefits over cotton, hemp is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
