Hemp: now or never, say Miles Johnson and Crescent Bahuman
Following the Pakistani government’s lift of its ban on hemp growing in September 2020, Lahore-based denim manufacturer Crescent Bahuman has partnered with green-minded designer Miles Johnson on Now or Never, an “all-natural and recyclable” hemp-centred denim collection.
The collection is inspired by protests against climate change, both during the 1960s and today.
Not only does the collection feature “100% sustainable” blends of core-spun hemp yarn, Tencel lyocell (Lenzing’s rayon-like, wood-based cellulosic fibre, produced using a closed loop system) and both organic and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)-certified cotton, it also utilises “sustainable, waterless dyeing methods” - something that Mr Johnson pushed for, a press release said.
Vice president at Crescent Bahuman, Zaki Saleemi, elaborated: “Overall, there is a water saving of 98% in dyeing and 80% in finishing, thanks to the use of our latest Naya indigo dyeing process, which is third-party verified by TUV Rheinland.”
Mr Saleemi added that “sustainable” washes, which “significantly” reduced water and chemical usage, due to the use of synthetic stones that last up to 80 washes, as well as a commitment to “green” chemistry for the denim’s bleached down effect, furthered the collection’s eco-friendliness.
“Hemp is the future for a more sustainable denim industry,” Mr Johnson said.
Working with Lenzing allowed the designer and his manufacturing partner to innovate and develop cotton-free blends of hemp and Tencel lyocell, “replicating the feel and character of cotton”.
Regarding trims and other add-ons, organic cotton was used for the denim’s labelling, with screwable shank buttons, plus a recycled back patch and Crescent Bahuman-branded crescent moon bar tack, rounding out the eco-conscious offering.
Image: Crescent Bahuman.
