Patagonia to launch hemp denim line for Autumn 2021
As part of Patagonia’s efforts to integrate hemp into its collections, the sustainably-minded outerwear brand said it will be launching a Workwear Hemp Denim line for the Autumn 2021 season.
With consumers demanding more environmentally-friendly products, hemp is becoming an increasingly attractive option. The crop is a natural fibre that makes relatively minimal impact on the environment, requires less water than cotton and is said to help prevent erosion.
Hemp used by Patagonia is grown in partnership with suppliers whose processing techniques are said to minimise waste. Existing Patagonia offerings — including canvas for workwear and fabric for sportswear — use materials formed by blending hemp with organic cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel.
The company said it is working with hemp-processing partners on a whole-systems approach to make an even smaller impact on the environment.
“Our goal is to use clean retting, decorticating and degumming methods (the processes by which the fibre is separated from the woody inner core and stripped of its sticky lignins and pectins),” said Patagonia. “We are working with bio-composite companies that can transform the ‘waste’ from our crop into building materials and other goods that provide alternatives to plastics and fiberglass.”
Image: Patagonia.
