Hemp and Water Usage: Comparing It to Other Fabrics

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1.  Introduction  

Water is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our age. Given that a quarter of the planet’s water supply is fresh water, and much less is it readily available for human consumption, the pressure to make responsible use of water has never been greater. Excessive industrialisation, population expansion and climate change all played a part in the global water crisis. In a world where businesses are competing for scarce water, effective water management is a pressing issue for policymakers, businesses and consumers. 

Textiles are one of the most water-intensive industries, both in terms of its water use and pollution. From the cultivation of starting materials such as cotton, to dyeing and finishing textiles, almost every aspect of textile production relies on water. The demand places immense strain on freshwater resources, especially in areas already struggling with water shortages. 

Hemp is an all-purpose and sustainable crop, and is rapidly becoming a sustainable alternative to conventional textiles. As a plant that requires very little water and is adaptable to a wide range of climates, hemp has a great potential to mitigate the water consumption of the fashion and textiles industries. In this blog, we explore the environmental utilisation of hemp and other fabrics, the environmental impact of hemp cultivation, and what is at stake in adopting hemp as a textile material. 

2.  Overview of Water Use in the Textile Sector. 

The textile sector is among the most water-demanding sectors, using up enormous amounts of water at multiple stages of production. Whether it’s the production of raw materials such as cotton, or the processing, dying and finishing of textiles, the industry relies on water to supply the world with textiles. The water consumption in the industry and its environmental impacts are summarized below. 

2.1 Global Textile Industry Water Use Stats 

  • Textile production consumes 10% of industrial water worldwide and is among the world’s biggest water users. 
  • A single cotton T-shirt takes 2,700 litres of water — about as much as an average person consumes in two and a half years. 
  • Dyeing and finishing textiles alone consume 20 billion cubic metres of water a year and account for much of the global water crisis. 
  • The scale of water usage is particularly alarming when the ebb and flow of clothes is driven by fashion. The use of water by the industry will continue to increase as the world population expands and the consumer habits shift to more frequent purchases. 

2.2 Water Use by Stages in Fabric Production 

Water is essential in every aspect of fabric production, from the preparation of raw materials to the production of fabrics. The main steps in which water is used are as follows: 

Also Read : The Environmental Benefits of Hemp Fabric Recycling

Cultivation of Raw Materials  

  • The roots of organic fibres such as cotton, hemp and flax (used for linen) depend on water. But the water requirements for these crops vary dramatically. 
  • The most water-intensive crop is cotton, which requires 20,000 litres to produce 1 kilogram of fiber. This dependence has caused water stress in major cotton-producing areas such as India, China and the United States. 
  • Hemp, by comparison, uses less water, and can grow well on rainfed soils, which makes it a natural water-efficient crop. 

Processing and Manufacturing of Textiles  

Water is involved in cleaning, spinning, weaving and knitting raw fibres into fabrics. For example:  

  • Wool fibers should be washed to wash out lanolin and dirt. 
  • Synthetic fibres such as polyester require water to chemically polymerise. 
  • Energy-intensive manufacturing compounded this environmental footprint with water. 

Dyeing and Finishing Processes  

  • Dyeing and finishing are some of the most water-intensive steps in textile production. 
  • Dye baths and chemical treatment typically eat up a great deal of water, and untreated effluents pollute rivers and lakes. 
  • It is estimated that 20% of all water pollution in the world comes from textile dyeing and treatment. 

2.3 Environmental Impact of Inadequate Water Use

The textile industry’s excess water use has serious environmental and social ramifications: 

Water Scarcity  

  • Over-irrigation of water-intensive crops such as cotton reduces freshwater supplies, with fewer remaining for drinking, farming and the environment. 
  • The most prominent cotton-producing areas, like the Aral Sea basin in Central Asia, are ravaged by extreme water shortages owing to inadequate irrigation. 

Pollution  

  • Untreated wastewater from textile dyeing and finishing often comes laden with toxic chemicals, heavy metals and dyes, which pollute freshwater supplies. 
  • The waters of rivers near industrial sites in Bangladesh and India are contaminated and threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health. 

Soil Degradation  

Over-irrigation and insecticide use on crops such as cotton tends to salinise the soil, lowering the land’s long-term fertility. 

Energy-Intensive Water Usage  

  • Retrieving, transporting and storing water consumes energy, generating greenhouse gases. Water and energy are also tied together in ways that add to the ecological consequences of squandering water. 

Hemp: A Sustainable Alternative  

Hemp can solve many of the water-related issues facing the textile industry. Because it requires less water, requires fewer chemicals, and is flexible, it is a sustainable fabric option.

3.  How Much Water Does Hemp Need? 

Hemp is often praised for being sustainable, in that it needs almost no water. Hemp is one of the oldest cultivable crops on the planet and can be used for green textiles. Its versatility and water conservation make it an excellent choice for helping to reduce the carbon footprint of fabric manufacturing. 

3.1 Low Irrigation Demands Compared To Other Crops 

Hemp is naturally water efficient, and requires far less irrigation than most other textile crops like cotton. Hemp consumes on average 300-500 litres of water per kilo of fibre, which is less than the 10,000-20,000 litres required for cotton. The roots allow it to tap into water stored deep in the soil, decreasing the need for irrigation. 

Hemp’s drought tolerance also illustrates the efficiency of its water use. Although cotton fields typically need a heavy irrigation system to sustain production, hemp can feed itself in areas with low rainfall, which is why it is perfect for growing in regions with limited water resources. 

3.2 The Potential to Survive in Any Climate with Rain-Fed Agriculture 

Hemp’s flexibility is another reason it requires little water. It grows well in almost any climate, temperate to subtropical, so long as the soil is well-drained and full of organic matter. In contrast to cotton, which requires a unique growing environment and heavy irrigation, most hemp depends entirely on rain. 

In some of the world’s largest hemp producers, such as Canada, France and China, a majority of hemp production occurs through rain-fed farming. The technique saves as much artificial irrigation as possible while reducing the water footprint and the energy used for the pumping and dispensing of water. 

3.3 Water Efficiency of Hemp and Other Popular Textile Crops 

Compared with other textile crops, hemp is among the most water-efficient: 

  • Cotton: As we said earlier, cotton is an extreme water-intensive fabric that uses up to 20,000 litres of water per kilo of fibre. This demand renders cotton untenable in areas where water is scarce, and excessive irrigation depletes groundwater sources and wrecks ecosystems. 
  • Flax (Lining): Flax uses less water than cotton and on average it uses about 2,500 litres per kilogram. Yet it still consumes more water than hemp, especially in low-rainfall areas. 
  • Bamboo: Despite being touted as sustainable, bamboo does require significant irrigation in semi-arid regions. Moreover, when bamboo is turned into textiles (eg, rayon or viscose), chemical treatment makes its environmental impact even higher. 

With its superior water efficiency, hemp is a sustainable option for fabrics, especially in water-constrained areas or those looking to cut down the environmental footprint of textile production. 

3.4 What’s Driving Hemp Water Consumption? 

Hemp needs different amounts of water for different reasons: 

Soil Quality  

  • Hemp thrives on a well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A sloping site can demand more water, because plants may be unable to absorb nutrients and water. 
  • Farmers can offset this by cultivating rotations and composting their land to create a healthier soil. 

Farming Methods  

  • Environmentally friendly farming, including no-till agriculture and cover crops, can slow the loss of water and improve water retention in the soil. 
  • Overwatering or improper watering habits can wipe hemp’s inherent water efficiency out the window, making responsible growing a must. 

Climatic Conditions  

  • Hemp needs very little water in a moderate to high-rainfall environment. But in arid or semi-arid areas, extra water may be required to provide optimal growth. 
  • Planting drought-tolerant hemp varieties can further improve its aridity tolerance. 

4.  Comparing Hemp to Other Fabrics  

The special attributes of hemp make it a great alternative to other fabrics as far as water consumption is concerned. Hemp compares with cotton, polyester and other organic materials as shown below. 

4.1 Hemp vs. Cotton  

Cotton Needs a Lot of Water to Grow and Process It. 

Cotton is one of the most water-demanding crops on the planet. Its inflated water requirements are partly the result of several reasons: 

  • Cotton crops need constant watering during the growing season, particularly in deserts such as India and the South. 
  • The cotton industry takes in 2.6% of the world’s water consumption, even though it covers only 2.5% of the global surface. 
  • Making fabric out of cotton requires additional water-intensive processes, including cleaning, dyeing and finishing. 

Environmental Effects of Cotton Cropping on Ecosystems and Consumption of Groundwater : 

Cotton’s water needs have devastated ecosystems. For example:  

  • The Aral Sea, once one of the world’s great lakes, was largely drained away for cotton production in Central Asia. 
  • Cotton fields can be over-irrigated, stripping groundwater, salinising soils, and reducing productivity. 

Hemp’s Water Saving and Flexible Value: What You Need to Know! 

By contrast, hemp requires very little water and is much less invasive to water bodies and ecosystems. Its flexibility to thrive in many climates without excessive irrigation makes it a more resilient substitute for cotton, especially in areas with shortages of water. 

4.2 Hemp vs.  Synthetic Fabrics  

Use of Water for the Manufacturing of Synthetic Fabrics. 

Artificial fibres such as polyester, nylon and acrylic are made from petrochemicals and need very little water to grow (since they are not cultivated like real fibres). However:  

  • Synthetic fabric production requires water-cooled, chemically cleaned processes. 
  • Polyester manufacturing, for instance, discharges toxic effluents into waterways, escalating water pollution. 
  • Indirect Water Use in Synthetic Oil Extraction and Chemical Processing 
  • Making synthetic fabrics indirectly uses water to extract and refine oil. These actions degrade the environment and increase pressure on water supplies. 

The Natural Nature of Hemp is A Lower Water-Intensive Option. 

Hemp is an untreated fibre, not a synthetic textile, which can be produced with little water and processed mechanically. The biodegradability also eliminates the long-term water contamination caused by synthetic microplastics, which pollute rivers and seas. 

4.3 Hemp vs. Other Natural Fibers 

Comparison of Water Utilization In Planting Fabrics such as Linen, Bamboo, and Wool. 

  • Linen (Flax): While lined clothes are touted as environmentally friendly, they do need more water to grow and process than hemp. 
  • Bamboo: Bamboo grows quickly and requires little water when it is left raw, but converting bamboo into fabrics (e.g., viscose) requires costly chemical treatments that waste water. 
  • Wool: Wool production from sheep can be very water-intensive, especially in areas where feed crops require irrigation. 

Why Hemp’s Rapid Growth and Low Water Consumption Make It a Better Sustainable Choice? 

Hemp grows quickly (in 90-120 days) and requires minimal water and chemicals, which makes it a better option. Its versatility and toughness also add to its sustainability value as a fiber for textiles. 

5.  Environmental Effects of Hemp’s Minimal Water Use

Hemp’s low water consumption makes it highly sustainable, filling in many of the gaps in the textile industry’s water usage. 

5.1 Water Conservation and Water Shortage Alleviation 

Hemp requires less water to grow, which reduces the need for freshwater resources. Because it’s grown in rain-fed gardens, it also reduces irrigation use, ensuring water can be divided more evenly between competing demands (drinking water, farming). 

5.2 Lower Pressure on Freshwater Resources in Agriculturally Based Areas 

Because hemp can grow well on dry land, it is an ideal crop for areas highly dependent on agriculture. By moving away from water-scarce crops such as cotton, switching to hemp can protect groundwater and support a sustainable food system for the long term. 

5.3 Preventing Pollution Of Water By Reducing Use of Pesticide and Fertilizer To A Minimum Level. 

Hemp requires very little chemical input, minimizing the possibility of water contamination from runoff. In contrast to cotton, which uses 16% of the world’s pesticides, hemp is pest-resistant and often organically grown. This minimizes pollution of rivers and aquifers while preserving downstream ecosystems and communities.

6.  The Economic Advantages of Hemp’s Water Efficiency 

Hemp’s amazing water efficiency isn’t just a green benefit: it provides immense economic benefits at multiple levels of production and consumption. From farmers saving money to the development of sustainable, environmentally profitable markets, hemp’s water-saving abilities make textile manufacturing more environmentally and economically sound. 

6.1 Farmers’ Savings With Fewer Irrigation Systems 

Water efficiency saves money right from the start, especially for farmers in areas where water is a limited and costly commodity. Hemp uses far less water than other crops such as cotton, which avoids irrigation costs and the need for irrigation. 

  • Lower Water Fees: Farmers save money on water collection, transportation and irrigation infrastructure. Cotton, for instance, tends to need extensive irrigation in places such as India and the Southwest United States, and so costs more to produce. By contrast, hemp can be grown in rain gardens that eliminate the need for costly irrigation. 
  • Lower Energy Costs: Pumping, moving, and distributing water takes energy, especially in regions that use groundwater. Because hemp requires less water, farmers pay less for energy, and overall production costs are lower. 
  • Economic resilience: In dry climates, water intensive crops tend to lose their yields due to a lack of water. The drought-tolerant properties of hemp ensure that yields are consistent even when rain is poor, providing farmers with a secure income stream. 

6.2 Opportunities for Hemp to Develop in Areas with Limited Water Sources 

Because hemp grows easily in arid and semi-arid climates, it is a good crop for a region with limited water resources. Through hemp cultivation, these regions could develop sustainable agriculture without overstressing water supplies. 

  • Revitalising Underutilized Land: Hemp can flourish on low fertility soils that do not receive much irrigation, which helps poor farmers rely more effectively on their land. This is particularly important in areas where conventional crops fail. 
  • Increasing Rural Economic Development: Hemp production can generate rural employment by offering farmers an economic, sustainable crop. Its many diverse uses in clothing, food and building materials drive the creation of regional processing plants, creating jobs and revenue. 
  • Climate Adaptation: Hemp provides a resilient solution in places vulnerable to climate change and water depletion, sustaining agricultural productivity while conserving water. 

6.3 Market Shares for Hemp-Based Products Proclaimed Eco-friendly and Water-Responsive? 

We’re in a place where consumers want to buy sustainable, eco-friendly products, and hemp textiles and products are a lucrative market. Hemp’s water efficiency is an important selling point, drawing eco-conscious consumers. 

  • Green Marketing: Hemp can be branded as being water-friendly and sustainable to customers who care about minimizing their footprint. That difference puts hemp brands on the map of the burgeoning sustainable fashion sector. 
  • Premium Pricing: Environmentally friendly products usually sell at a premium, giving businesses some added margin. For instance, when they’re aware of the environmental merits of hemp cultivation, they’re willing to fork over more money for hemp clothing, paper and accessories. 
  • Corporate Responsibility: When hemp is integrated into the supply chain, organizations are able to align with the concept of sustainability, enhance their reputation and find environmentally conscious customers. 

There is little doubt that hemp’s water efficiency is economic – cutting costs for farmers, generating economic development in water-constrained areas, and providing business advantages in the sustainable economy. 

7.  Challenges in Scaling Hemp Cultivation  

Even with these many advantages, deploying hemp production on a large scale across the globe presents hurdles that need to be overcome to unlock its full potential. These barriers range from a lack of infrastructure, regulatory challenges, and the necessity to balance water savings against other environmental factors. 

7.1 Limited Infrastructure and Farming Expertise for Mass Hemp Production 

Global hemp production is still nascent, and not every region has the infrastructure or resources to sustain scale-up operations. 

  • Lack of Processing Facilities: Hemp requires specialized facilities to turn its fibers into materials that can be used. Insufficient processing facilities in major locations may prevent the industry from developing. 
  • Limited Farmer Education: Most farmers are unfamiliar with what it takes to produce high yielding hemp, including rotation, soil preparation and pest control. Farmers require best practices training and materials. 
  • Gaps in Supply Chain: There aren’t as many established chains of supply as you have with conventional crops like cotton, and it’s difficult for growers to reach markets and for manufacturers to access hemp fibers consistently. 

7.2 Regulation Barriers in Some Regions Stimulating Hemp Production 

In many regions of the world, hemp production is limited or strictly regulated, preventing widespread use. 

  • Legal Mistrust: In some countries hemp grows are viewed as the same activity as marijuana production and there are regulations and licensing requirements. This ambiguity discourages growers from cultivating hemp. 
  • Limitations on Import/Export: Import/export limitations on hemp-derived goods and raw materials may restrict the global footprint of the hemp sector and reduce its viability. 
  • Policies: Governments may lack policies to stimulate hemp production, such as subsidies, research funding and sustainable agriculture. 

7.3 Integrating Water Savings with Other Environmental Concerns 

While hemp is incredibly water-efficient, other environmental considerations must also be taken into account in order to ensure its sustainability. 

  • Land Use: Scaling up hemp should not involve biodiversity loss or degrading natural landscapes. 
  • Processing Energy: Hemp processing, especially textile processing, can be extremely energy intensive. Providing renewable energy will contribute to the sustainability of hemp production. 
  • Soil Health: While hemp improves soil quality, excessive cultivation without crop rotation drained nutrients that impair soil fertility over time. 

It will take a concerted effort between policymakers, industry leaders and farmers to build a robust hemp ecosystem to address these issues. 

8.  How Water-Responsible Fabrics Can Benefit Consumers 

We can encourage consumers to use sustainable textiles by making educated choices and putting brands with a focus on water efficiency at the forefront of their minds. Here are three practical tips consumers can give to make water-repellent fabrics such as hemp more widespread. 

8.1 Selecting Hemp-Based Products Rather Than Water-Created Textiles 

Choosing to shift to hemp is one of the best ways to promote water sustainability in the textile sector. 

  • Hemp Clothing: Wear clothing crafted from hemp fibers instead of cotton or artificial fabrics. Hemp garments are incredibly strong, comfortable and eco-friendly, making them an environmentally responsible option for everyday wear. 
  • Hemp Jewelry: Hemp accessories such as bags, shoes, and hats provide an innovative alternative to traditional goods that support water saving practices. 
  • Hemp House Textiles: Choose hemp furniture, curtains, and bedding that is both functional and sustainable. 

8.2 Partnering With Brands That Focus On Efficient Water Use In Manufacturing 

We can make a difference in the textile industry by purchasing brands who work to reduce their water usage. 

  • Check Brand Policies: Look for brands that source hemp and other sustainable fibers, manufacture ethically, and use water-efficient methods of production. 
  • Buying Local: Buying directly from hemp growers and artisans in your area helps cut transportation carbon emissions and strengthens local economies. 
  • Support Transparency: Push brands to publicly report their water use and sustainability practices to help consumers make informed decisions. 

8.3 Promoting Environmental Awareness About Hemp and Other Water-Saving Products 

Help spread awareness of the benefits of water-saving fabrics to mobilize the community to become more sustainable. 

  • Social Media: Make sure to engage on social media in order to tell people about hemp’s green credentials and water-friendly companies. 
  • Community Action: Hold a workshop or event to inform the community on how water-efficient materials can help to mitigate the carbon footprint of textiles. 
  • Advocacy for Policy Change: Advocate for policies that encourage sustainable agriculture and textile production, including subsidies for hemp cultivation or tighter restrictions on water-intensive crops.

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