Patagonia hails hemp
27/06/2016
Current Patagonia collections include a small number of apparel items that contain hemp. These include the women’s Island hemp shorts and longer trousers, the women’s lightweight A/C top and the men’s Back Step shirt. The brand has blended hemp with organic cotton to give these products what it calls “a linen-like drape and softer hand”.
It has argued that the hemp it has used in these products also deserves to be called organic. It does not have organic certification, but it is grown organically using natural compost and animal manure and rain for watering.
Patagonia has praised the work of two non-profit groups, Fibershed and Growing Warriors, that are working to reintroduce industrial hemp into Kentucky. Their work may extend to other US states, thereby making hemp more available for garment manufacturers and brands to use. The outdoor brand believes this would help lower the environmental impact of textile production, empower small-scale farmers and create jobs in a wide variety of communities.
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