Why Hemp?

Salty Dunes aspires to use alternative natural fabrics with an aim to last. We currently use Hemp in all our bucket hats. Hemp is a natural fibre produced from the dense growing cannabis sativa plants. Due to its natural denseness, herbicides aren't required to kill off competing plants. Hemp gives 60-70% of its nutrients back to the soil it was grown in, which helps to keep the soil healthy for future years. The main reason Salty Dunes chooses to use hemp is for its durability, as we believe a product that lasts is the most sustainable purchase you can make.

Hemp vs Cotton

As said earlier, hemp is a dense growing plant and uses very little land. Cotton however requires a lot of land, needing approximately twice the land per ton of finished textile.

You can see why they call hemp "weed" when it comes to its water usage. Cotton needs 50% more water per season then hemp. When looking at processing, cotton uses a whopping 4 times as much water as hemp.

Hemp fabric is extremely durable and has triple the tensile strength of cotton. Making products last and producing much less waste in the long run.

Some Extras

Hemp improves with age and gets softer with every use. It is a breathable material and is UV resistant; perfect for keeping the Aussie sun off.

Durability

Hemp is one of the strongest and most durable natural fibres. It blends easily with other fibres to create a hybrid material which retains its strength while adding a softer touch. We believe by using durable fabrics like hemp, we keep textiles out of landfill and create pieces that will last a lifetime of adventure.

Sources

https://www.greenmatters.com/p/hemp-fabric-advantages-disadvantages

https://www.citizenwolf.com/blogs/news/high-time-for-hemp-the-ancient-eco-fabric-making-a-comeback

https://slate.com/technology/2011/04/hemp-versus-cotton-which-is-better-for-the-environment.html

https://goodonyou.eco/material-guide-hemp/