Did you know that hemp and linen share many similarities? While these natural fibres each have their distinct characteristics, both offer remarkable potential for sustainable textiles. Recently, this potential was highlighted during a visit by design students from La Cambre (Brussels) and the École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle (Paris) to Libeco, a weaving company engaged in the European project Hemp4Circularity. The visit gave students an inside look at the future of sustainable textile production, including hemp's emerging role in the industry.
Why hemp textiles in North-West Europe?
With its local availability and promising environmental benefits, hemp is becoming a compelling choice for sustainable textile production in North-West Europe. But why now, and why hemp? Amongst its agricultural benefits, long-fibre hemp requires minimal water, low input, and regenerates the soil, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious agriculture. It also seems to be more resilient to unforeseen weather conditions than flax. An important asset to consider regarding the climate change we are currently facing. The development of textile hemp aslo answers a rising demand for more sustainable textiles.
However, despite its advantages and similarity with flax, long-fibre hemp presents numerous new challenges, both in cultivation and processing. This reality makes a coordinated effort across the value chain essential for its success.
Bringing all stakeholders together
The Hemp4Circularity project aims to overcome these hurdles and establish hemp as a leading sustainable textile fibre in the region. Coordinated by Valbiom, the initiative gathers a diverse range of partners from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany to promote circular economy practices throughout the entire supply chain.
By connecting various stakeholders—growers who cultivate hemp, scutchers, spinners, weavers as Libeco, and designers who can bring new ideas to life—the project is setting the groundwork for hemp to thrive as a sustainable textile option.
Engaging with future designers
As part of the Hemp4Circularity project, Libeco recently welcomed textile design students from the École nationale supérieure des arts visuels de La Cambre in Brussels and the École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle in Paris.
The design students were given an insight into the various stages of linen weaving, from production techniques to machines, and the feel of linen at different stages of its transformation. It was a visit that allowed them to grasp the complexity and delicacy of this age-old skill and to question the position of this fibre in today's textile panorama.
Such initiatives are crucial for inspiring the next generation of designers while raising awareness about the challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable fibres.
Hemp4circularity, a collaborative initiative for sustainable hemp textiles
The challenges associated with hemp processing and cultivation are not to be tackled by a single actor. The Hemp4Circularity project offers a unique opportunity for collaboration across the entire supply chain. By bringing together growers, businesses and research centres from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, the initiative seeks to make hemp a prominent sustainable textile fibre in the region, all while fostering a circular and eco-friendly approach.
To stay updated on the progress of Hemp4Circularity and learn more about the latest developments in hemp textiles, follow the project on LinkedIn.