Hemp – Nature’s Best Alternative to Plastic

With increasing hue and cry over the use of plastic grocery bags, there has been greater emphasis on the use of green bags or reusable bags. Paper bags are out of question as they would not only tantamount to greater loss of trees but also raise their cost of production. However, a ray of hope has been offered by a natural fiber, quite popular in the Indian subcontinent- hemp.

Hemp is known for its durability. It is a fast-growing sustainable fiber that is drought tolerant. Unlike the conventionally grown cotton, hemp doesn’t require loads of pesticides and fertilizers to grow properly. This is the reason why more and more companies like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, and The Body Shop are being attracted towards this Super Fiber.

Reusable bags made from hemp last longer. Hemp bags are ideal to undergo rough weathers including frequent wear and tear. Hemp is not only strong; it also holds its shape. This means that hemp does not stretch much thus accounting for its durability.

The more is hemp used, the softer it gets. In other words, hemp does not wear out; it wears in.

One of the best advantages of using hemp reusable bags is that they are mould and ultraviolet light resistant. This makes hemp a more solid contender for reusable bag production.

Hemp is now being accepted by countries across the world. Austria has a hemp industry including production of hemp seed oil. China is the largest exporter of hemp textiles and its fabrics are of excellent quality. Medium density fiber board is also now available. Spain has never prohibited hemp; He produces rope and textiles, and exports hemp pulp for paper. Switzerland is a producer of hemp and hosts one of the largest hemp trade events, Cannatrade.

Romania is the largest commercial producer of hemp in Europe. Italy has invested in the resurgence of hemp, especially for textile production. 1,000 acres were planted for fiber in 2002. Giorgio Armani grows its own hemp for specialized textiles. Great Britain lifted hemp prohibition in 1993. Animal bedding, paper and textiles markets have been developed. Hungary is rebuilding their hemp industry, and is one of the biggest exporters of hemp cordage, rugs and fabric to the U.S. They also export hemp seed, paper and fiberboard.

The United States first initiated to join the hemp revolution when it permitted Hawaii to grow hemp over a quarter acre plot in 1999. With plastic bags ban being issued randomly by countries, it can be hoped that hemp would capture a major share of the reusable bags market.