What are the Benefits of Hemp Fiber? Strength & Sustainability Guide
The world’s leading manufacturers are shifting away from petroleum byproducts (plastic) and carbon-emitting materials in favor of more eco-conscious solutions. And one fiber from an ancient plant is having a major resurgence: Industrial Hemp.
You may have heard of CBD or know what hemp seeds are, but what gives this plant its “Industrial” strength? Hemp Fiber. Here at Dakota Hemp, we cultivate and process thousands of acres just to grow our premium hemp fiber, which provides a high-performance sustainable alternative to textile, construction, and automotive companies. But why hemp? Let’s dive into what makes our fiber so special.
What is Hemp Fiber?
Hemp fiber comes from the stringy, woody exterior of the hemp plant. These fibers run the length of the stalk and are essentially there to protect the plant itself while holding it super tall and strong against wind or weight. When industrial hemp undergoes decortication, these fibers are split apart to create what we call raw hemp fiber.
Renowned for its durability, our hemp fiber has a long staple length and remarkable tensile strength, allowing it to be used for nearly any application.
Top 5 Benefits of Hemp Fiber
1. Exceptional Strength
When it comes to tensile strength and durability, hemp is considered by many to be the strongest natural fiber on the planet. It’s stronger than cotton and holds up better than most synthetic blends. Hemp Fiber from Dakota Hemp can be used to make:
- Clothing that will last you a lifetime
- Ropes and twine that can bear serious weight
- Construction materials and even car door panels
Unlike many materials, hemp fiber maintains its strength even after decades of use. It also softens with each wash—allowing you to feel better wearing or using hemp products.
2. Naturally Anti-Microbial & Breathable
One of the amazing qualities of hemp is that it is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it won’t allow bacteria or mold to grow when untreated. When used as a textile, this gives hemp clothes the ability to stay fresher longer without smelling like mildew or odor. Additionally, hemp is one of the most breathable fabrics on the market. Hot in the summer? Cool in the winter.
Pros: Stays fresher longer. Naturally softens with each wash.
3. Sustainable For The Planet (Carbon Negative)
While polyester comes from oil, and cotton requires massive amounts of water and pesticides to grow, hemp is the original “planet first” crop.
- It revitalizes soil while growing: Hemp requires next to no water and absolutely NO pesticides to thrive.
- Helps combat climate change: Industrial hemp provides unprecedented levels of Carbon Sequestration, absorbing about four times more CO2 per hectare than trees.
4. UV and Mold Resistant
Not only will your hemp fabrics not pill like synthetic fibers, but it takes significantly longer for them to break down in the sun. Hemp fiber has a natural resistance to UV rays and doesn’t harbor mold or mildew. These are just a few of the reasons sailors have used hemp for their sails and ropes for centuries.
5. Wide Range of Applications
Thanks to decades of research and technological advancements, we can now process hemp fiber to fit nearly any need. Over the years we’ve used hemp fiber to make “HempWood” flooring, insulated homes with non-woven hemp insulation batts, and even created a “bio-enhanced” water for agriculture. At the end of the day, hemp fiber serves as a blank canvas for manufacturers around the world.
The Dakota Hemp Fiber Advantage
When sourcing hemp fiber for your business, it’s important to work with a company that understands the importance of raw fiber quality. Here at Dakota Hemp, we take pride in providing the best hemp fiber for our customers, and for good reason:
- Decortiation Matters: We operate one of the most technologically advanced hemp decortication plants in South Dakota. This allows us to cleanly separate the hemp hurd from the fiber, producing consistently contaminant-free specs.
- American Grown Hemp: While we source from farms all across the country, we prefer working with family farmers within 100 miles of our plant. You can rest easy knowing your fiber was grown in America.
- Built for Business: Whether you’re looking to order a few pounds of hemp fiber for testing or need bulk deliveries for manufacturing, we provide a reliable, uniform product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hemp Fiber come from the “Bast” of the plant?
Yes! Hemp Fiber is often referred to as bast fiber because it comes from the inner, fibrous part of the hemp plant known as the phloem.
Can I use Dakota Hemp’s Raw Fiber for spinning?
Absolutely! All of our hemp fiber is sold in its rawest form, allowing crafters and manufacturers to use the fiber for spinning yarn, creating clothing, or re-selling as-is.
Is Hemp Better than Cotton?
Compared to cotton, hemp requires about 50% less water and produces 2-3 times more fiber per acre. While cotton may feel softer initially, hemp becomes softer with each wash while maintaining its original strength.
Is hemp fiber fireproof?
Hemp is naturally more heat/flame resistant than synthetic fibers. It is typically combined with natural minerals when used in home insulation to enhance these properties.
Do you provide discounts for bulk orders?
We do! While our hemp is sold by the pound for smaller scale projects, we offer freight orders for manufacturers who need to fabricate hemp fiber into products.
Conclusion
Ready to find out just how versatile and impressive hemp fiber can be? Whether you are developing the next hemp-based textile for clothing or you need a bio-based material to reinforce your plastics, Dakota Hemp Fiber has you covered.