Textile Exchange urges hemp sector to shape regulation

20/07/2023
Textile Exchange urges hemp sector to shape regulation
The US-based Textile Exchange has urged the hemp sector to improve global production tracking, avoid the adoption of hazardous pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, and to become certified to organic and regenerative standards that provide a chain of custody from field to finished product.

As part of a new report, the association suggests at this early stage, the industry has a unique opportunity to shape fibre hemp standards from the soil up, setting up systems that maximize measurable benefits for the climate, ecosystems and communities.

It said: “The global textile industry is increasingly turning to this once-stigmatized crop, celebrating its ability to enhance soil health, support biodiversity, suppress weeds, and increase yields among subsequent crops – all while relying on little or no inputs.”

However, significant improvements need to be made to make public data that supports sustainability statements and identifies fibre hemp production regions and quantities.

While data is incomplete, the leading producers by volume appear to be France, China, North Korea (estimated), Poland and the US.