Australia:Baby hemp, tough competition for Marino wool
Source: Fibre2fashion News Desk - India Date: 2008-08-04
The tireless efforts of Kim Hough has finally paid off as hemp grown by him is attracting attention from global textile enterprises. The super-fine baby hemp produced by him is sure to shake the dominance that merino wool has enjoyed for a long time.
In order to gain more information about this newly developed hemp variety Fibre2fashion, contacted Mr Kim Hough, Managing Director and CEO, Hemp Resources Ltd. Mr Hough divulged, “Baby hemp is fast growing crop, planted at specific times of the year to achieve full maturity within 60 to 70 days. With rapid growth of baby hemp, the plant produces very little pith, which effectively is the cellulose core of hemp plant and therefore producing a finer fibre for the textile industry.”
Stating about the special characteristics of baby hemp, Mr Kim opined, “The plant can be harvested from 40 to 45 days for premium fibre and is planted far more densely than conventional hemp. When harvested at the point of flowering, baby hemp produces a superfine super strong fibre for premium quality textiles”.
While discussing about the basic difference from this baby hemp and traditional wool, the MD asserted, “Hemp is the strongest natural fibre in the plant kingdom with its own anti-microbial anti-bacterial properties. As a natural fibre it breathes and therefore reduces body odour. It can give you warm feeling in winter and cool in summer. It can be blended with other textiles including wool and because of its strength, will outlast all other fabrics and softens with age and wearing."
Mr Kim further informs that over a dozen people were involved in the trials and research in the baby hemp project including international experts in natural fibres and consultants as far and wide as China to Northern Ireland.
Due to the fineness and softness of baby hemp, the company is extremely confident of producing a textile fibre second to none in the world. The maker of the fibre boasts that it can replace to merino wool and other superfine fibres.
Hemp Resources is currently negotiating with textile mills in China and Japan. The company intends to use as much of raw material as possible for its own clothing range and supply it in the high-end fashion industry of Europe and US. The company is getting enquiries from various countries of UK which are also under consideration and negotiation.
