Hemp: A Versatile Textile Fibre for Sustainable Application

Hemp remains a popular natural fibre, along with ramie, flax, sun hemp, jute, coir, sisal, nettle, and bhimal fibre. Being an ancient fibre, it holds immense cultural significance in Indian tradition. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) regulates industrial hemp farming, which is a genetically engineered C. sativa (L) plant with a presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) value of less than 0.3%. Along with European countries, the Indian government has launched hemp cultivation to promote textiles and research & development. Hemp fibre’s excellent mechanical properties, superior absorbency, resistance to UV rays, rotting, mildew, and mould, and resistance to saltwater make it an ideal material for exploring its full potential across different engineering fields. This material is currently employed as an essential component in the apparel industry. However, it can be used in sustainable construction as a substitute for concrete—“Hempcrete”. Also, several attempts were made to use this fibre as the most effective reinforcing material to develop a composite material as a substitute for wood and metal. In this chapter, we will examine the thermal, acoustic, physical, and structural properties of hemp as we analyse several sustainability indicators, including its water and carbon footprints. Furthermore, this chapter will highlight various applications of hemp-based products, including apparel, building materials, composite end products such as automotive parts, sports gear, and household products.