Wageningen University & Research extracts fibres from alternative biomass for textiles. Baster fibres from flax and hemp are already being processed commercially into high-quality fabrics for textiles.
Woven linen. A sturdy fabric, made of 100% linen from (flax). Due to the slight irregularities of the linen yarn as well as the so-called air-finish, the fabric has a unique, ‘rustic’ look. The fabric is dyed in an environmentally friendly way with reactive dyes. With its weight of 500 gr/m2, high abrasion resistance and good lightfastness, this quality is perfect for interior applications (upholstery of furniture, or curtains) but also for making bags, for example. The flax from which this fabric is made is grown in Europe and is also spun and woven here.
Knitted hemp. 100% hemp fabric for making tops and light sweaters. Reddish-brown single jersey made of European hemp with a soft natural sheen. One of the properties of hemp is that it wrinkles quite quickly (just like linen), but this is much less the case in this knitted fabric.
Woven hemp. Fabric made of 100% hemp (210 g/m2) for making dresses, skirts, shirts, utility wear and accessories. This special fabric is woven in a simple plain weave from 100% hemp and comes from Europe. The somewhat irregular yarns give the fabric some relief and a tough look. The use of these hemp textiles only makes them softer. Environmentally friendly dyed in a wine-red colour with so-called reactive dyes
What’s next
The fabrics are commercially available.