Modern textile production is standing on the threshold of a new era. Today, an increasing number of consumers are choosing natural fabrics, making the cultivation, processing, and manufacturing of hemp-based textiles more relevant than ever. Hemp is emerging as a sustainable alternative to cotton and linen, with exceptionally broad and multifunctional applications. Its integration into contemporary industries is remarkable for its versatility and adaptability.
Since ancient times, hemp has been a source of valuable resources. Evidence of the deep respect Ukrainians held for this plant can be found in numerous references within folk songs: “I sow, I scatter, I sow little hemp seeds, I sow, I scatter, the green ones…”, “From Kyiv to Lubny, I sowed hemp…”, “Andrii, Andrii, I am sowing hemp seeds. God, let me know with whom I will reap them…”.
Hemp also played a role in calendar rituals as a protective charm. On the Feast of the Annunciation, pieces of hemp cloth were placed in the corners of the house, set alight, and used to fumigate the space in order to ward off misfortune and evil. When visiting a woman who had just given birth, it was customary to bring a small bundle of hemp and place it in the cradle, symbolizing health and happiness for the newborn. Beyond songs and rituals, hemp was celebrated through its practical uses: it was crafted into clothing, footwear, fabrics, sacks, ropes, and even medicines.
The emergence of nylon and other synthetic materials eventually made hemp fiber less competitive, as these new textiles were cheaper and more accessible. However, this shift came at a high environmental cost. Today, the search for sustainable alternatives has brought us back once again to industrial hemp.
While for many people hemp may appear to be a modern trend, in Ukraine bast fiber crops have been a natural and traditional part of life for centuries. It is essential to preserve these traditions and carry forward the knowledge of past generations. What they created remains highly relevant today—and may, in fact, help shape a better future for the world.
Nowadays, hemp serves as the basis for a wide range of high-quality, eco-friendly, and safe materials. These are valued not only in the textile industry but also in construction. For example, industrial hemp is used in the production of hempcrete and lightweight structures. Such materials are durable, resistant to moisture and fire, capable of absorbing sound, and excellent at retaining heat. Truly, they represent a dream solution for modern urban society.
Returning to the textile revolution, the 21st century has placed growing emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability. Hemp is considered one of the most eco-friendly plants, cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. As a result, hemp textiles are not just a fashionable trend, but a conscious choice for responsible consumers who value and care for the environment.
Hemp products are gaining increasing popularity due to their high strength and durability. As mentioned earlier, hemp is one of the oldest and most versatile crops that humanity has relied on for thousands of years. Let us take a closer look at the true value of this bast fiber for the textile industry.
Durability of Fabrics
Hemp fibers are highly resistant to wear and do not easily fray. This is due to their unique structure, which makes them less prone to damage during use. Such durability is particularly valuable for products intended for intensive use or those exposed to constant mechanical stress.
Lightness of the Fiber
Hemp fabric is distinguished by its light weight—its fibers are approximately one-third lighter compared to cotton and wool materials. This property is especially important for people who travel frequently, as well as for those who prioritize comfort and convenience in clothing.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
Hemp products demonstrate strong resistance to ultraviolet radiation and moisture. This means they do not fade in sunlight and are not easily damaged by humidity, which significantly extends their lifespan. Such resilience makes them ideal for outdoor applications, including curtains, décor, drapery, and awnings.
Antibacterial Properties
Hemp fibers naturally possess antibacterial qualities, making them resistant to mold and mildew. This is particularly important for products exposed to high humidity or frequent contact with water, such as towels, bed linens, and other household textiles.
Thermal Regulation of Fabrics
Hemp fibers offer excellent thermoregulating properties, ensuring comfort in a wide range of climates. They retain warmth in cold weather and provide cooling in the heat, making them ideal for clothing and bedding.
Ease of Care
Hemp fabric is remarkably easy to maintain. It is one of the few natural fibers that can be washed either by hand or in a machine at virtually any temperature. As a natural material, it is best cared for with gentle, bleach-free detergents. Even after repeated washing, the quality and strength of the fibers remain intact.
Beyond its natural qualities, hemp textiles also offer a stylish and modern aesthetic. The natural hue of hemp fibers provides a sense of organic elegance, while the variety of textures and patterns makes them excellent accents for both fashion and interior design.
Eco-fashion is no longer just a passing trend — it has become a necessity that defines the modern approach to fabric, clothing, and accessory production. The era of excessive abundance is finally giving way to a new, conscious era of mindful consumption and thoughtful choices in favor of high-quality products, which in turn drives the demand for durable and sustainable textiles.
Historically, Ukrainian lands and climate have been well-suited for cultivating bast fiber crops. Our ancestors understood the value of these fibers and cultivated them for centuries. However, hemp eventually came to be misclassified as a dangerous narcotic and fell under a worldwide UN ban — a decision that altered the course of global history.
Time, however, has brought a shift in perspective. Today, the cultivation of industrial hemp is legally permitted in Ukraine. High demand and profitability have motivated Ukrainian producers to return to the roots of hemp cultivation and revive traditional practices. Currently, around 30 Ukrainian enterprises hold licenses to grow industrial hemp.
However, despite its promising potential, the development of this sector is still constrained by factors such as the lack of modern processing facilities, established distribution markets, and a broader culture of consumption. Nevertheless, the value of this crop continues to prevail, and more and more entrepreneurs are daring to engage with it.
Edelvika, as one of the largest textile manufacturers in Ukraine, has always appreciated bast fiber crops, particularly hemp. For many years, we have been creating unique fabrics and stylish garments from hemp, increasingly emphasizing natural and eco-friendly products. We can confidently say that we have no intention of straying from this path.
For Edelvika, it is essential to use high-quality raw materials in our textiles, which is why we are interested in collaborating with responsible Ukrainian producers who work professionally with hemp. At present, we still source hemp from European suppliers, but the growth of domestic production opens up new prospects for the Ukrainian light industry.
Last autumn, “Edelvika” had the opportunity to visit Ma’Rijany Hemp Company, the developer of Ukraine’s largest industrial hemp processing project for the textile industry. The company invited various players from the fashion market to an educational event, where they highlighted the unique qualities and opportunities of hemp fiber cultivated in Ukraine.
“Edelvika” was represented by Marketing Director Olga Kasian, who gladly shared the company’s experience in creating hemp fabrics. She guided visitors through the intricacies of production, showcased stylish products and unique hemp textiles, and emphasized the importance of cultivating this eco-friendly crop and reviving forgotten traditions.
This year, “Edelvika” also witnessed an event with the potential to transform the landscape of Ukraine’s light industry.У межах індустріального парку «Ma’Rijany»
The largest industrial hemp primary processing plant in Ukraine has opened in Zhytomyr — «Ma’Rijany Hemp Company». Within the “Ma’Rijany” Industrial Park in Zhytomyr, the country’s largest primary industrial hemp processing plant — “Ma’Rijany Hemp Company” — officially opened its doors.
The new manufacturing facility was established on the site of a former flax plant, which was fully reconstructed and equipped with advanced technology over the course of two years.
The scale of the enterprise is impressive — up to 14,000 tons of raw material per year. The facility will produce long fiber for textile and technical fabrics, short fiber for paper and nonwoven materials, as well as hurd, which is used in bioplastics, construction, and the production of eco-friendly panels. A particularly positive aspect is that a significant share of the output will be available not only for export but also for Ukrainian manufacturers.
Yuriy Perekhodko, Chief Executive Officer of “Edelvika,” and Olga Kasian, Marketing Director, had the opportunity to attend the event and witness firsthand how technologically advanced and large-scale hemp processing can be in Ukraine.
For us, this day became yet another confirmation that Ukraine’s light industry holds strong potential for revival and growth. The meeting also opened new perspectives for “Edelvika,” offering valuable pathways to sourcing high-quality hemp raw materials cultivated within our own country.
In the future, hemp supplied by “Ma’Rijany Hemp Company” can be processed into long fibers used for producing premium-quality textiles suitable for shirts, dresses, and trousers. Short fibers, in turn, will be ideal for blended fabrics such as hemp-silk, hemp-cotton, and hemp-polyester. This significantly expands the possibilities of offering consumers products with diverse qualities and characteristics.
Today, it is essential to support the economic foundation of our country by creating high-quality Ukrainian products that are certain to gain recognition not only domestically but also far beyond our borders. That is why the cultivation, processing, and application of hemp in the light industry represent a conscious choice of a responsible society—one that cares both for itself and for the environment.
Hemp paper can be recycled up to 8 times, whereas wood-based paper can only be recycled 3 times.
• Hemp matures in just 4 months, while trees require 20–50 years to grow.
• Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, containing unique fatty acids not found anywhere else in nature.
• Cultivating hemp is even cheaper than growing soy.
• Hemp can be used as an insulating material for buildings — it is durable, affordable, and flexible.
• Hemp-based soaps and cosmetics do not pollute water and are fully eco-friendly.
• Hemp fibers are naturally resistant to mold, fungi, and insects.
Hemp is used in medicine for at least 250 conditions, including rheumatism, cardiovascular problems, epilepsy, asthma, sleep disorders, mental illnesses, and spinal diseases.
• A car body made from hemp can be 10 times stronger than steel.
• Hemp helps cleanse soil from toxins and heavy metals.
• Hemp fibers provide excellent sound absorption, making them ideal for soundproofing.
• Hemp-based construction materials (hempcrete) are fire-resistant and moisture-resistant.
• Hemp plants restore soil fertility by improving its structure and enriching it with organic matter.
